DORCHESTER 21

WALCOT 26

DORCHESTER fell to an ill-disciplined 26-21 defeat to Walcot in a match they will feel they ought to have won in Wadworth 6X Southern Counties South.

It was clear from the opening exchanges that there was little between the two sides and neither team was able to gain any degree of control.

Walcot were certainly looking to run the ball and had some strong runners ready for the challenge.

Dorchester had to survive 10 minutes with Alex Peel in the bin for a deliberate knock on, and did so without conceding.

Then, as the clock reached 30 minutes, the deadlock was finally broken, with Liam Kershaw driving over from close range.

James Baker added the extras and the hosts looked to be getting on top.

However, minutes later came a turning point in the match.

James Newsam was yellow-carded for a ruck offence and Walcot took immediate advantage scoring three converted tries before the interval to ram home the advantage.

As the second half began, Dorchester, once again restored to the full 15, felt they were in the game if they scored next but could not manage it.

Unfortunately, a speculative kick to the corner and a fortuitous bounce allowed the visitors to extend their lead with a fourth try.

Dorchester redoubled their efforts and quick passing through midfield gave Baker a one-on-one with his opposite number and he duly scored in the corner and converted his own try to narrow the gap to 12 points.

The hosts were now getting on top and, when Steve Tucker touched down following a perfectly executed driving line-out, Baker converted, the gap was just five points.

Dorchester were against the clock and had to cope with another man in the bin but gained a decent field position on several occasions.

However, the county town side were unable to convert any of them into the score they required and they had to settle for a losing bonus point.

Unfortunately for the home side, their scrum-half Louis Verkaik suffered a concussion injury, putting him out of action for a while.

The county town side still sit one from the foot of the table in Southern Counties South, however, they did pick up the losing bonus point.

On Saturday, the county town side travel to bottom-of-the-table Bradford-on-Avon.

they will need to bring home the full five points and hope North Dorset lose, to leave them one point adrift from their near neighbours, and the climb away from relegation will be on.

Dorchester A XV took a strong side away to Lytchett Minster in an important game for their hopes of winning Dorset & Wilts Two South.

The game started tightly but Dorchester’s defence held up, they led 26-5 by half-time.

Lytchett pressed early in the second half but once Steve King scored for visitors the floodgates opened and Dorchester ran out 54-5 winners with an organised and disciplined performance.

The team now sit 12 points clear at the top of the table.