By Tim Beavis

DORCHESTER Rugby Club has been damaged by vandals – only for a good samaritan to effect repairs.

Pitchside rails at Surcouf Park were wrecked, along with other areas of the facility.

However, following on from their recent partnership with Dorchester Rugby Club, Clayson Scaffolding has generously stepped in to help.

Managing Director, Leigh Cornick, has not only repaired but improved the railing plus provided a donation to fund other restoration work.

Dorchester chairman Tony Foot said: “It is both sad and disappointing to find damage to a great community asset that in normal times is used by around 300 junior players from the area.

“We have been monitoring the site closely and upgraded our security patrols, but it seems some local people are determined to cause trouble for us.

“However, in unusual times the members of the club have pulled together to monitor the site and help repair damage and make the site more secure, and local businesses such as Clayson have been very generous in their help and financial support too.”

Knowing how many young people use the club and how many are going on to big things through the youth setup and how well the senior team was doing before the season came to an abrupt end last year, Clayson are determined to make sure the club is best-placed locally, with its great facilities, to grow as soon as rugby is back on the horizon.

Far from taking a negative view on the current situation, the club is keen to remain positive and look forward to the future.

The upcoming season will be the county town club’s 150th in the game.

Founded in 1871, the same year as the RFU, Dorchester have many celebrations and events being planned for when it is safe to go ahead with them.

Clayson will be heavily involved with a number of these events and are looking to hold events of their own at the community facility.

As soon as players at community level are given the green light to train together again by the RFU, Surcouf Park will be a hive of activity once more.