DORCHESTER A 15

CHIPPENHAM II 35

IN THE last game of the season for the senior teams at Surcouf Park, Dorchester A fell 35-15 to a well organised and clinical Chippenham Seconds in the County Senior Knockout Plate.

With the visitors playing a league above them and winning it with only one loss, further losing just one other game this season, the county town’s A captain Jamie Jackson knew this would be a tough game.

He called on his squad to show their character and give a performance they could be proud of and they did just that.

Unfortunately, the home side picked up an injury to Will Mullins before the kick-off and during the game to Archie O’Connell.

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This meant Dorchester had to shuffle players around, stretching resources a little more than planned.

Mark Egan, called up late to cover the bench, played across a number of positions for very nearly the whole game.

Dorchester’s player-of-the-match, prop Chris Elliott on his return from injury played with a heavily strapped ankle for the whole 80 minutes.

With the final score in favour of the visitors it seemed a fair reflection of Chippenham’s more clinical finishing, the home side struggling to gain consistent possession in the first quarter not really getting out of their own half until they found some rhythm as team.

Dorchester picked up three unconverted tries from Charlie Davis, Reece Vincent and Lee King. Two of these were from a dominant scrum whilst the third was a well-worked move allowing a run in down the right-hand flank.

Following the match, the club held its annual players’ dinner where this season’s well-deserved awards were presented.

First-team player of the year was Jack Adams, who also picked up the first-team players’ player of the year.

Dorchester A player of the year was Slade Collins whilst O’Connell collected the players’ player of the year.

Gladiators’ player of the season went to Allan Bickley, while the most improved player of the season across all teams was awarded to the ever popular Tom Louch.

The Brian Eadie award went to outgoing President Bob Andrews.

Next on the cards for the club is the annual Gladiators tour this coming weekend.