SWINDON 42

DORCHESTER 3

DORCHESTER endured a game to forget as their Tribute Southern Counties South campaign ended on a low note with a 42-3 defeat at Swindon.

Against the early run of play, the home side took the lead, Dorchester’s pack and line-out yet again proving a great base to build from.

However, as the game progressed the visitors’ backs just could not gel and put together any meaningful moves.

Swindon lost a man to a straight red card for a kick to the face of Adam Makepeace and the county town picked up three points as the penalty was kicked by James Baker.

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But, before too long Dorchester were under the cosh and their opponents began to run in tries regularly with impunity despite the numerical disadvantage.

The lack of phase play ultimately cost the side points and the late yellow card for dissent by Baker lost the visitors the numbers advantage.

Individually, there were some good runs from both Jack Hayward and Tristan Walters, showing their promise for next season and looking towards the new younger generation moving into the senior squad.

This result leaves Dorchester ending the season in eight place, in what began as a strange campaign with a lack of pre-season games and issues with availability due to Covid-19.

Ultimately Josh Ovey, the club’s head coach, wanted the team to hold its own and remain in the league.

On a number of occasions, the team have looked creative and flowing, and all season its set-piece scrum and line-out have been on top of the opposition.

Add to that a number of new younger players coming into the squad and the season has not been unsuccessful.