DORCHESTER 23

CORSHAM 24

IN A game that did not look like fifth playing eleventh, Dorchester suffered an agonising last-gasp defeat at home to Corsham in the Wadworth 6X Southern Counties South.

Dorchester knew a victory would be invaluable in their fight to avoid relegation and attacked from the off in poor conditions.

The first play of the game saw Greg Hallett storm 25 metres, while breaking multiple tackles.

Despite the early possession, Dorchester failed to convert the pressure into points and gave away multiple penalties, allowing Corsham to clear.

Dorchester finally went ahead when Callum King crossed for the hosts but Corsham reacted immediately.

Dorchester failed to field the kick-off, giving away possession and Corsham took advantage, resulting in a penalty kick to get them on the board.

The remainder of the first half saw little in the way of flowing rugby, both sides exchanged penalties in the poor conditions before Jake Bosher saw yellow.

Down a man, Dorchester were unable to clear their lines successfully and a charged down kick gave Corsham a try just before the break. The conversion was added, leaving Dorchester trailing 13-8 at the interval.

The second half started as scrappily, both sides giving away multiple penalties. Eventually the referee lost patience and sent Corsham’s prop to the bin following a succession of penalties. Despite plenty of possession in Corsham’s 22, Dorchester were only able to come away with a penalty to show for their efforts.

Dorchester and Corsham would then exchange tries in quick succession, first George Foot crossed following an interception before Corsham responded with a try stemming from Dorchester, giving possession away cheaply after a speculative kick.

Corsham swiftly added another penalty to extend their lead.

Going into the final 10 minutes, Dorchester trailed 21-16.

However, in a frantic final 10 minutes Leo Ansell crashed over in the corner following excellent work from James Newsam. James Baker converted from the touchline putting Dorchester in front with a minute left.

However Corsham would have the last laugh when the restart was knocked on five metres out. After two reset scrums the referee penalised the county town side, leaving Corsham with a simple penalty to clinch victory at the death.

Dorchester travel to seventh-placed Wiltshire side Devizes on Saturday (2.30pm).