AVONVALE 3

DORCHESTER 40

DORCHESTER delivered an excellent second-half performance to secure a 40-3 victory at Avonvale in the Tribute Southern Counties South.

This was a confidence-boosting bonus-point triumph in tricky conditions, yielding six tries.

Dorchester took first use of the stiff breeze and, unsurprisingly, dominated in terms of field position.

However, the county town side did not convert their numerous chances into points.

READ MORE: Dorchester 26-29 Wimborne - match report

As the first half drew to its close Dorchester only had two James Baker penalties to against their name, the hosts having one of their own.

Then, awarded a penalty five metres from the Avonvale line, James Newsam was the first to react tapping to himself and driving over for the score.

Baker’s successful conversion gave Dorchester a 10-point lead at the break.

Any doubts that 10 points would not be enough were soon put to bed when the visitors recovered the kick-off and, after several phases, prop Joe Underhill crashed over for a rare, but popular, score.

Dorchester continued to dominate, playing some of their best rugby of the season. Lewis Allan dived over in the left corner following some outstanding handling from the backs.

Callum King was too strong for the home defence when adding the bonus-point try. Captain Steve Tucker was next on the scoreboard, picking up at the base of an advancing scrum and strolling in unopposed.

Finally, Allan added his second and Dorchester’s sixth try. The difficult wind prevented Baker from converting all but one of the second-half tries.

As a result of the win, Dorchester move back to sixth place in the table, with a rest weekend looming then a home match against the team directly below them, Combe Down, followed by an away fixture at bottom side Corsham.

Dorchester’s Gladiators provided another fantastic floodlit Friday fiesta of friendly rugby with captain Tony O’Connell leading another mixed team combining youth and experience and all in between.

The home side were comfortable victors against the combined might of Puddletown and Blandford.

Due to the rest weekend coming, club training will only be Thursday evening followed by a pizza evening in the clubhouse to give those new to the club a great opportunity to get to know everyone.

New and returning players always welcome.

Elsewhere, Puddletown were thumped 62-27 by Tribute Dorset & Wilts One South leaders Blandford.

Bridport were 45-17 winners at Salisbury Seconds, while Weymouth & Portland enjoyed a bye weekend.