BRADFORD-ON-AVON 19

DORCHESTER 26

DORCHESTER held off a late fightback from bottom side Bradford-on-Avon to come home with a very important five points from their Wadworth 6X Southern Counties South relegation clash.

A mistake at the kick-off gifted the hosts early field position and they took full advantage as their big forwards repeatedly drove into the Dorchester defence until they finally crossed for the opening try, although the conversion came back off the upright.

However, the lead lasted only seconds as the home scrum-half threw a speculative pass that Callum King picked off before running freely to the posts, James Baker adding the extras for a 7-5 lead.

After the early excitement the game settled down into a battle between two styles, Bradford keeping the ball in the pack, Dorchester trying to stretch the game to use their pacey back three.

The hosts were next to score with a carbon-copy of the first try but this time the conversion was successful.

Despite the setback, Dorchester were gaining a degree of control and soon retook the lead, veteran scrum-half Dave Gower sneaking over from close range.

Before the break, the county town side extended the lead to nine points when Baker found some space to cross in the left-hand corner.

Playing up the hill in the second half, Dorchester were on top for much of the third quarter but a lack of precision prevented them from extending the lead until finally right-wing Jack Chatfield had the pace to get outside the Bradford defence and score in the corner. Baker was unable to add the conversion but Dorchester were now looking comfortable.

Bradford, however, had other ideas and when their prop forced his way over the line, followed by the conversion, the lead was just seven points.

Bradford threw everything at Dorchester in the final minutes but the defence held firm, turning the ball over inches from their own line and kicking the ball out to seal the win.

Meanwhile, Dorchester’s A XV also chalked up a hard-earned 25-17 victory in very poor conditions at home against rivals Wimborne.

In a game that was never going to be easy, Dorchester ground out another victory against an experienced opposition who clearly had victory in mind. The conditions were not conducive to running rugby or quick offloads, but Dorchester still showed glimpses of what they could do given the space.

The side now sit 11 points clear at the top of Wadworth 6X Dorset & Wilts South Two having missed out on the bonus point.

Dorchester’s Third XV were awarded a home walkover as Blandford were unable to raise a side. The Gladiators remain second, five points off leaders Poole in Three South.