CLEVEDON 30

DORCHESTER 19

DORCHESTER made the long journey to Clevedon but came back empty-handed after a 30-19 defeat in their Papa John’s Counties South Plate second-round tie.

Although Dorchester were beaten, they were far from disgraced at the close of the season.

Indeed, Dorchester started the brighter with left-winger Freddie Charles winning the race for Callum King’s well-placed grubber kick to open the scoring for the visitors.

King then added the conversion and, with Dorchester dominating at scrum-time, things were looking good.

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The tide soon turned, however. A wicked bounce confused the county town’s defence allowing Clevedon a simple run-in for the equalising try.

Then Luke Robson was, somewhat harshly, yellow carded and the hosts took full advantage with a second try and a penalty.

A further converted try for Clevedon before the break gave them a 22-7 lead going into half-time.

The second half was fairly even with both sides trying to play enterprising rugby.

A second penalty from home fly-half Ethan Thomas stretched the lead before Dorchester’s hooker Josh Ovey showed real pace to outstrip the home defence for a well-deserved try, again converted by King.

The hosts’ burly centre Kipp Commrie then crashed over from close range to bring their score to 30.

Dorchester did have the final say, though, as replacement winger Archie Dale touched down for his first senior try.

Dorchester’s first-team season is now complete, with many high points and a great foundation created to build on for next season.

It has been clear to see the unity and togetherness in the squad which has seen several young players come to the fore and some senior players reach milestone appearances.

Dave Cottell hit over 300 games this season, and fittingly Tom Gower reached 150 appearances in this cup game.

He has also recently played a big part in the Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby, celebration sides.