SHERBORNE II 12

DORCHESTER 17

DORCHESTER did just enough to come out on top in a scrappy, disjointed match in Wadworth 6X Dorset & Wilts One South.

Sherborne elected to play with the stiff breeze in the first period but failed to make good use of it, only rarely kicking downfield.

Dorchester’s lightweight pack surprisingly had the upper hand in the set-piece and consequently kept the hosts at bay throughout a scoreless first 40 minutes.

However, the visitors utilised the elements to better effect than their opponents in the second half, pinning Sherborne in their own 22 for long periods and replacement winger Damon Ashmore crossed in the left-hand corner.

James Baker converted the difficult kick from the touchline adding the extra points.

Dorchester continued to dominate and eventually Baker went over for the county town side’s second try in the same corner.

Once again, Baker converted to add to the score.

Dorchester appeared to be heading for a comfortable win until a succession of injuries disrupted them.

Sherborne opened their account with a try in the corner before Baker popped over a penalty to stretch the lead to 12 points.

As the clock ran down, Sherborne did add a further converted try but Dorchester managed the final few minutes successfully and went home with the points.

Dorchester’s next opponents in the league are rivals Puddletown on Saturday in what will no doubt be another tough encounter.

Back at Coburg Road, Dorchester’s A XV took to the field against Bridport with a much-changed side.

Due to injuries and some non-availability, Matt Fry put out a strong side but with number of players out of position and not a lot of game time as a unit.

Bridport opened the scoring with three tries in the first 20 minutes as Dorchester struggled with their game plan.

They were eventually rewarded with a Jack Ward try after persistence and hard graft.

The second half showed a great defensive effort and a more structured plan.

Man of the match Tim Stephens went over following a fumbled line-out, and Bridport managed only one more score to come out on top 26-14.

Following the match Fry said that there were many positives to take from the game and a number of standout performances.

He said: “I was proud of the effort by everyone in the team, everyone put in a shift and kept fighting against a big Bridport pack right up to the final whistle.

“It was good to see our two A XV debutants, Rhys Williams and Mike Howells run out, but unfortunately we could not give them a winning welcome.”

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