DORCHESTER’S final Counties 1 Tribute Southern South league game of the season resulted in yet another painful close defeat, going down 24-19 at Yeovil, writes Tim Beavis.

The game was played in very difficult conditions which suited the hosts far better than the visitors.

In a chaotic first 10 minutes, which saw George Foot leave the field with a shoulder injury, and Yeovil’s volatile number eight Jordan Gray sin binned for violent play, Dorchester opened the scoring.

Winning a five-metre scrum, the ball appeared to go straight through the tunnel but the referee allowed Charlie Sharpe to pick up the ball and dive over the line.

With the pitch cutting up badly, the hosts used their forwards to score three tries in 15 minutes, all from close range.

Dorchester continued to play their normal open style of rugby and finally got their reward when Callum King crashed over in the left corner. Alex Peel added the extras and Dorchester trailed by seven at the break.

The second half was a typical battle of attrition with both sides sticking to their respective game plans. Yeovil scored a fourth try, driving over from a five-metre lineout. Dorchester created several chances as the hosts suffered another yellow card and with 10 minutes to go created space for winger Cohen Emery to score a third Dorchester’s try and earn them a losing bonus point.

With the league campaign now complete, the county town outfit can be proud of their season with a young squad.

Captain Steve Tucker commented on the positive attitude and work ethic of the team and looked forward to the cup competitions. Club chair, Tony Foot, echoed his pride in the squad and their commitment, adding that there is much to look forward to with the unity and cohesion shown by the squad.

With Wimborne winning the league well, Dorchester sit fourth in the table after completing all their games. Combe Down who sit one point below them, have their final game next Saturday, a win would move them above Dorchester.

Showing the quality of the squad moving forward, Dorchester had three of its young players in the Dorset & Wilts U20’s comprehensive victory over Oxford on Sunday.

Jack Adams started the game at centre with Cohen Emery and Brook Legg coming on for the second half. Legg picked up a hattrick of tries from the wing, in a one sided 84-0 win.

The Twin Counties’ next match is at Surcouf Park on Sunday, April 9, facing a Berkshire side.