NORTH DORSET 19

DORCHESTER 14

DORCHESTER fell to a tight 19-14 defeat and can feel themselves hard done by having lost a game that they dominated for long periods in Wadworth 6X Southern Counties South.

The county town side played down the slope in the first half and spent almost the entire first quarter in their opponents’ half but had only flanker Josh Hosford’s try, converted by Alex Peel, to show for their efforts.

Against the run of play, the hosts equalised when a missed tackle in midfield allowed the centre to break though and put the left-winger in to score under the posts.

Dorchester continued to dominate but, with the strong crossfield wind making line-outs a lottery, they were unable to add to their score.

As the half came to its end, North Dorset caught Dorchester with a sucker-punch crossing for a second, unconverted try.

Having to play up the slope in the second period, the odds were stacked against Dorchester.

However, they refused to cave in despite conceding an early try.

Try as they might, the visitors were unable to close the 12-point gap and, as every marginal decision appeared to go against them, it appeared they would leave without anything to show for their efforts.

Finally, centre Callum King picked off a loose pass in midfield and had the pace to beat the cover to the posts.

Peel’s conversion gave Dorchester one last chance to snatch

victory but another decision

went against them and they

had to settle for a losing bonus point.

The county town side will need to put the disappointment behind them to be ready for the very tough challenge of league leaders Sherborne, who sit at the top of the table unbeaten, who visit on Saturday.

Dorchester sit one place off the bottom and will need to start to string together some wins to avoid the drop.

In comparison, Dorchester A XV lie top of their table after another good win at home, 29-10, over Dinton.

Rob Parker’s men have set the pace in Wadworth 6X Dorset & Wilts Two South and with another win this weekend against Wheatsheaf, they should remain top over the Christmas break.