11TH MARCH 2010
Dorchester were still in buoyant mood from their tour experiences which nearly proved to be costly from the kick off. It was only for a knock on by the Oakmedians backs that prevented a try from the first whistle. Dorchester only had 13 players as a number of key players were away on holiday or had family commitments. It seemed to unsettle the lads somewhat and took Dorchester several minuets to regain their normal flow of good teamwork and support. A breakaway try from Jack Warburton seemed to settle Dorchester. He converted his try.As the game progressed, Dorchester produced some fantastic flowing rugby throughout the backs that included Ryan Haskell, Gabe Whale, Will Channon and Jack Davis. They were very unlucky not to score from an excellent scrum which was passed throughout the back line with excellent "soft" hands and accuracy.
Although it became apparent that Oakmedians were not going to be formidable opposition, they were pushing Dorchester back in the scrums until the coaching team briefed them in the interval .During the following periods of play it was clear that Dorchester's scrummaging was improving with great efforts from Luke Robson, Will Caldwell ,Marcus Sams, Josh Cameron, Jamie Russell and Brandon Weeks Dorchester stepped up the pressure and started to run in several tries from a very dynamic Jack Warburton and a couple from Will Caldwell, including one from a rolling maul that Dorchester dominated in.Soon afterwards, Dorchester were down to 12 men as Josh had to retire due to a large blister on his foot ( he claimed it was from one of his "bullish runs" of 60 meters and the physical forces he encountered as he bounced through the solid tackles of the opposition ...unfortunately this individual performance was missed by everyone else at the ground of DRFC and the coaching staff put this down him putting his boots on the wrong feet before the game!!! )
The flowing rugby continued from Dorchester with excellent breaks from Will Channon and Gabe Whale, with the continued support of the backs that earned Brandon Weeks and Ryan Haskell a well earned score each .Dorchester gained in confidence and each player were actively looking to break through the tired and demoralised Oakmedians defence. A bursting run from Jack Davis found himself just short of the try line for his first score for the club and Will Channon continued his excellent runs that earned him a very well deserved Man of the Match.As Dorchester were romping to an impressive victory, they became guilty of complacency and gave away several penalties in succession which resulted in Oakmedians only try of the game .Dorchester clearly enjoyed this free flowing game against a team who were not at the same level of recent opposition. However there were still signs of our weak rucking and poor body positioning.
With time these issues will be corrected and improved - We all know that there are sterner tests within this discipline coming in the following 2 weeks ahead!Its exciting to think of how this great team will progress next season with the solid teamwork and impressive individual players, can only excel with the new rules and conditions. With hard work and the excellent attitude that these lads play with, who knows what the future will bring.Keep up the hard work boys and enjoy the "predictably harder" remaining games you have this season.
Under 12’s Bath Tour 02-04-2010
Click on to link to see some tour Photos (from the Dads) http://www.photobox.co.uk/my/album?album_id=350141076
We left with great excitement on Friday night from the club house, our driver for the tour was Martin who’d actually driven the Bath team around for some time so he wasn't’t gonna take any nonsense (and we knew it !!) He had some great stories about waking up with his hair dyed green etc. (don’t give them any ideas Martin !!).
Everyone was very well behaved on the long and windy road to Bath no booze or fizzy drinks consumed yet !! As we drove through Bath we got a great view of the Rec ,I and a lot of the boys had never seen it before ! What a great place for a rugby pitch right in the middle of town near all the entertainment !! And a short walk from our accommodation the YMCA.
All the boys were split into two dorms with a leaders room attached .The dorms were fitted out with bunk beds, great fun for the boys they were getting a bit livelier now !!!! The Dads were split up into small rooms, a bit posher with their own table lamps and sinks !! (Sorry about the bunk beds Mike and Kev ,you didn’t get to see much of them anyway !!) Very nice shower and toilet blocks though, the last YMCA I stayed in was very different !!
All down for dinner at 8pm and we were all pleasantly surprised at the standard of the food and accommodation !
Coaches had to take it in turns for room duty and I was on first night. The Dads were working out where to go for the night, loads of choice in pubs in Bath !!
We had the lounge reserved so we could watch a dvd .
It took a while to settle the boys down, seriously excited now, so I was in and out the dorms until about 12 when it calmed down, great get a bit of kip! But oh no ! I had a stag party next to my room and they gradually started coming in about 2am. I had to input the key code for the first guy because I couldn’t bare to hear him swearing and shouting every time he put in the wrong numbers, he had his iPhone out trying to read off the numbers but couldn’t see them. So I put the number in pushed him inside and closed the door.Then the party started !! They were going till about 4am music playing etc but hey,I thought we’d get them back!
Yeah 6 am and the boys are stirring and then all hell breaks loose on the going to toilet/shower routines .Payback for the Stag Boys !! They were coming out grimacing at the hive of activity and I had a great smile on my face J Very happy !!
Down for breakfast at 8 all bright and cheery (the boys and me that is !!) Tony and Rich come down in some very fetching ladies wigs ,looks like they had a great night apparently some good night life in Bath. I think Graeme won the competition for the roughest looking (a bit out of practice we decided ,he needs more training sessions before the next tour !!) A good English breakfast for all !
We wanted a training session to get us warmed up for their festival, Julian Bailey used to live in Bath and knew a great park we could use. He gave us a great guided tour on the way going via The Circus and The Crescent he was a great tour guide and what a beautiful city we learnt a lot ,thanks Julian very cultured !! Just what the doctor ordered for some of the Dads.
We had a great training session ,unfortunately Josh Cameron had damaged his knee at school and couldn’t train ,hopefully he could play tomorrow!
We had a couple of spare tickets to get rid of ,Tony Foot offered to try and sell them for us so he went on a tour of the pubs to look for buyers, thanks Tony very dedicated !! He did manage to get rid of them ! and get back in time for lunch very impressive !!
After another nice lunch (roast dinner) we made our way down to the rec for Bath v Harlequins 2:15 kick off. We got there early to watch the players warm up which was great for the lads as Bath is a very intimate sort of ground and you really get to see the size of the players and are really in touch with the place .It was really exciting for the lads to watch there heroes training Olly Barkley, Danny Grewcock and Matthew Banahan were all there, all nodded at the lads when they cheered for them.
We got to our seats in the corner (not the best position !) but when the game started it didn’t matter ,the flags came out and we all had a great match and Bath won 24-13, a great result and a really great game to watch.
I was expecting it all to be over but the players stayed on the pitch and chatted to the fans hung out for a bit ! You don’t get that at Chelsea or Man United !!
The boys all rushed to the touch line and Olly Barkley and Danny Grewcock came over and signed the boys flags programme's etc and posed for photos !! What a result! very good guys these rugby players I think we’ll go back !!
Back to YMCA for a quick change and then onto a double decker bus (Yes an old London one) We were sharing the bus with a team of Spanish Under 15s that were coming with us to Ten Pin bowling .We got on top deck and the songs started flowing, Will Caldwell was a great songmaster but its hard to find many clean rugby songs ! (N.B. Bring song sheets next time ) No sound from the Spanish kids ?
Got to the bowling alley and it was a night session lit by UV with dayglo skittles etc !! Great fun ,the only down side was we had to get everyone’s order and the food took about 2 hours and when it came it was pretty disgusting!! Not good but we had a good bowling session. The Spanish lads had never been on a top deck before so we’d agreed to let them up there on the way back.They’d finished bowling earlier than us .When we got back to the bus we were shocked to see about four bare moons facing us !! We put it down to 1980s rugby tours, they thought that was the thing to do !! They were all laughing hysterically and pointing at each others bare bums !! (very strange!1)
I’d come down with a stomach bug that afternoon and I was having real problems keeping away from the toilet!! Luckily Pete Channon had brought some medical supplies and I got some painkillers and Savlon ,just what I needed!!.
A quieter night tonight for the Dads (some!) and the lads, everyone was quite tired after a full day.
The next morning we had to pack and be out by 8:45, no problem, we did a head count and all the boys were there, but then George Voss said have you seen my Dad ? I looked around and thought hold on I haven’t seen the bunk-bed boys all morning?,(By the way the clocks had gone forward that night !!) I went upstairs to the room knocked and got a quiet ‘come in mate’ Still in their pants (not a pretty site!)!! Um how long we got Andy ! 5 Mins boys!! ‘Ohh s*** a lot of running about and cursing‘ very funny !! Nice one boys !!
Onward to the Chippenham Festival , but it was the quietist coach I’d ever been on !!
(N.B. Don’t organising a tour when the clocks go forward and on the same day as our Festival !!)
Wasn’t holding out much hope for our chances but hey we’d had a good time already !!
Got to Chippenham for registration looked like a really big festival a great set-up , this got the boys going a bit.
First Match against BATH !!
Dorchester u 12's v Bath u 12's
Dorchester's first game of the festival was rather unluckily against a very imposing and talented Bath side. Having watched the senior team triumph the day before and arriving at Chippenham rather bleary eyed this was not the ideal start. The presence of former England and present Scotland coach Andy Robinson on the touch line was a fantastic experience but did little to help with the nerves.
Dorchester lost the toss and had to kick off and play the wind. From the return of the kick off Henry Bradbury off loaded to Ryan Haskell who stormed forward. The ball came out on the Bath side from the ensuing ruck and only fine tackling by Jack Warburton and George Foot kept them out. From the resulting scrum the referee gave a penalty against Dorchester for collapsing which seemed odd in the first scrum of a under 12 game! A surge by the Bath pack was held up but the ball was fed quickly out to the centre where Charlotte Robinson avoided two tackles in the centre to score the first try of the game much to the delight of her watching father.
From the kick off Bath opted to return a long kick rather than run and were punished with a storming return by Casper Bailey. He was held up just short of the line. As Dorchester were about to win the ball the referee blew up for an over the top decision and Bath were able to clear. The half-time score of 5-0 was about a fair reflection of the play.
Bath kicked off straight to George Foot who made good ground but yet again Dorchester failed to win the ruck. As the ball was fed along the Bath line this time the young Robinson knocked-on. From a solid scrum the ball was fed out by Casper and then Jack to James Thompson who took the ball into contact. He looked to have laid it back well but once more Dorchester failed to get enough men over the ball. Bath used the ruck ball well and from a driving maul were held up over the line. Bath won the 5 metre scrum and passed the ball down the line for their winger to score.
From the kick off Bath decided to run it back this time and only fine tackling by Jack and the the two Georges, Voss and Foot kept them out . Dorchester then counter with storming runs by first Jack and then Casper but the Bath defence which was the best Dorchester have encountered all season held firm. Bath then attempted a long range kick forward which looked to be going dead. An unlucky bounce kept the ball in play and the Bath wing dived on the ball as it stayed in the in-goal area. Brandon Weeks and Gabriel Whale brought off two excellent tackles from Bath's next attack and Dorchester finished the game on the attack with another run by Casper from deep. Although defeated 15-0 Dorchester had performed well and the last night tiredness appeared to have been run off.
Report By Tony Foot
Second Match RHIWBINA
Rhiwbina 3-0 Dorchester
The tour bus arrived at Chippenham's Rugby ground at approximately 9.30 am on Sunday 4th 2010. As the team got off the coach and "pitched up" the base camp just off U/12's Pitch B, there was a bunch of lads in an all black strip already warming up and going through several running drills etc. This was Rhiwbina ( pronounced "Ribena"). A team based just outside of Cardiff, and although everyone had a little giggle at the name, it was clear that these guys were very good and not to be confused with the well known soft drink!
Dorchester had just lost to a very good Bath side and were clearly tired from the previous 2 days of touring (Dorchester were the only side in the tournament who were touring that weekend). As they lined up for the kick-off, there were eyes rolling into the back of several dads heads, as they actually feared for the Dorchester lads safety against this huge and dynamic side. But the fears were quickly swept away as the Dorchester boys were not intimidated by Rhiwbina's physical presence and tackled extremely well as the inevitable black onslaught began. Dorchester were totally outclassed in the scrums and rucking and were unable to progress with any momentum as each time the play broke down, Dorchester were rucked off their own ball. Dorchester's line out's competed well and Will Channon secured lots of ball for Dorchester to build on.
Rhiwbina were playing downhill in the first half and were confident on the back of a big win in their previous round. Dorchester were having to defend most of the time and there were some excellent tackles from all the lads, in particular, Jack Warburton, Casper Bailey, George Voss and Joe Waterman. As the Welsh team showed off their talents and organisation, they eventually broke through to score.
Dorchester remained defiant and continued to tackle courageously and a try saving tackle from Casper Bailey kept the half time score very respectable.
As the second half began, Dorchester pressed forward and faced a well organised defence that prevented Dorchester any scores, and indeed justice from this match. Crunching tackles from Ryan Haskell, Gab Whale and Brandon Weeks kept the score low. The enthusiasm remained high from Dorchester and the boys should be very proud of their achievements, albeit that they were on the losing side.
Having watched Dorchester have an extremely successful season this year, it was refreshing to see Dorchester meeting "new" dynamics and in particular, a hard and well organised physical side that Dorchester rarely have come up against within the local fixture list.
Dorchester were drawn in a Pool that included teams from Winchester, Salisbury, Bath and Rhiwbina. This was, by far, the strongest Pool in the Competition and Dorchester really competed well with the "Big Guns" and progressed to other well earned victories from this game.
Rhiwbina went on to win this Tournament after beating Bath in a close Final.
This game, and indeed this fantastic tour, came at a perfect time for Dorchester. They will enter next season, with new rules and skills required. This Welsh side gave Dorchester a lesson of hard and physical rugby that can only benefit Dorchester in being "street wise" for the seasons ahead. We all know the weakness' and these can be "fixed" but Dorchester would have learnt a lot from this team and this tour.
WELL DONE LADS - We are all proud of you.
Report by Mike Sams
Third Match Salisbury
Dorchester 5 -1 Salisbury
After two defeats in their opening matches this was a match that could make or break Dorchester’s tournament. Played in bright sunshine and light winds it was a pleasant March afternoon.
Dorchester looked the stronger side in the opening exchanges and Will Channon opened the account for Dorchester with a cross field run to the Salisbury try line. 1-0. Dorchester were well in control but on an occasion when Salisbury were imposing on the Dorchester try line, Casper made a much needed clearance kick. Quickly in pursuit was Jack Warburton to chase the loose ball. Having ripped the ball from an opponent Jack made a storming run to make it 2-0 to Dorchester.
From a Salisbury scrum near the centre line Casper made a powerful run down the left wing. Before being pushed into touch Casper off loaded to Jack. The ball was moved across field via a good passing move involving Ryan and then Gabriel who off leaded to George Foot who scored a well worked try. 3-0 to Dorchester. Just before half time Salisbury put together a good passing movement to score. Half time 3-1.
The half time break rejuvenated the Salisbury side for a short period and they became an attacking force, however, Dorchester were always in control. After a powerful scrum by the Dorchester pack and some sharp passing the ball was passed to Ryan who used his strength and agility to penetrate the Salisbury defence to make the score 4-1.
With minutes to spare Casper embarked on a darting run down the left wing whilst being closely supported by Gabriel who received the ball and in a sharp 1:2 movement returned it to Casper to score Dorchester’s concluding try.
A solid workmanlike performance by the whole team especially the Dorchester forwards who always reacted well at the breakdown of the ball. Dorchester were always driving through the tackles and there was some great hooking by Brandon and Henry to work the ball back.
Report By Pete Channon
Fourth Match Winchester
Winchester 0-5 Dorchester
A good start and attack from Dorch by Jack and Gabe then Winchester came in to the game and it took a good on line try saving tackle from Jack to save the points. Then a great run from Ryan and Will put Winchester on the back foot then great run and try from Jack 5-0. Dorch were then under pressure from Winchester but held them off with another great tackle on the line from Luke, Ryan and Will saved another try half time 5-0
second half Another good start by Dorch but Winchester put Dorch under lots of pressure and started to attack well ,a great on the line try saving tackle by Will then Dorch started to attack Winchester, but Dorch come under pressure in the ruck but all worked very hard to stop Winchester ,then a great attack from Jack and Ryan and again another attack from Will and Ryan but were just stopped at the line. A great second half from all the boys excellent well done
Report by Clive Haskell
Fifth Match Stow on Wold (Final for plate)
Dorchester 0-0 Stow
So after Winchester went home because the odds were against them after the beaten by Dorchester in the final game of the A League knock out stage, the Plate final was set up between Dorchester and Stow.
From the kick off it was a tight game played with intensity by both sides. Dorchester and Stow attacked and defended equally and with full commitment. Dorchester played as one team with good support and great tackling. This made of an even match.
At half time there wasn't any score by either side.
The second half was played with the same intensity.
Dorchester won the plate based on more try's scored in the league stage - this is a great achievement based on the quality of the league including Bath, a Welsh slide that played great rugby but sounded like a blackberry cordial drink, Winchester and Salisbury.
Amazingly after everyone being so tired the boys had pulled out the stops and come away with some silverware some medals and I think a really good team building weekend.
Gotta do it again next year.!!
Dorchester Dorchester Under 12s played Swans away in the early spring sunshine today. Dorchester had already recorded one victory early in the season against Swans and one loss, at the Sherborne tournament.
Dorchester's pre-game training focused on quick passing, tackling and support play with a few set pieces . Swans' pack trained separately from their backs, both focused on technique. Total rugby Vs Specialist roles.
So the scene was set for the final showdown in a four times ten minute quarter match.
Early attacking play took Dorchester up to Swans line in an attacking scrum. A quick heal from Brandon and a classic scrum half break from Casper to score and then convert. 0-7 to Dorchester.
Good tackling from Ryan and Brandon and a passage of quick passing from the backs led to another try from Casper, this time as a winger! The conversion made it 0-14 at the end of the first quarter.
Try saving tackle by Jack and good defensive play continued.
Henry came on for Brandon as hooker. Dorchester's pack continued to dominate the scrum and give great service to the backs. Dispute 3 and 4 man overlaps for Dorchester - no trys!
Good rucking by jamie, luke, Tim and Will Channon but Swans scored after some excellent passing out wide. 7-14.
Brandon came back on just in time for a good run up the pitch that led to another attacking scrum. Will Caldwell scored after a short passage of quick scrummaging and passing. Casper's conversion made it 7-21 at the end of the third quarter.
A good spirited game with a good standard of play from both teams reflecting the progress made in the season. Dorchester scored when they played total rugby with quick passing and good support play. The scoreboard stopped ticking for Dorchester when the team stopped passing. 7-21 reflected Dorchester's dominance.
Brandon won man of the match for good running, support play and tackles - some call it total rugby!
DRFC Under 12’s Away- 4 way against North Dorset and Chobham A and B
March 7th 2010.
Weather bitterly cold conditions hard pitch.
The games were played as two eight minute halves
Dorchester-Chobham B
From the kick Jack Warburton for Dorchester picked up the ball and made a great run at full pace dodging and dummying but was stopped and managed to get the ball out to Gabriel Whale who got to the try line and scored.
Dorchester were up on them again with some great attacks and were mauling well. It was a good game but Dorchester were over powering the B side and managed to win 40-0).There were some great performances and good support play all through the match Will Channon/Ryan Haskell/Greg Holland/Josh Cameron made some excellent runs .Jack Warburton got three tries/Gabriel Whale /Greg Holland Casper Bailey and Will Channon got a try each.
Final Score 40-0 Dorchester win
Dorchester-Chobham-A
Chobham-A were a much different opposition and tougher all round. Their forwards were particularly sharp and managed to win a lot of ball for there team. Jack Warburton managed to score a great try early on, but Chobham were up on Dorchester all the time, they had a try disallowed,but managed to score one before half time.
Then straight into the second half Chobham A scored,and Dorchester never managed to come back.
Final Score 10-5 Chobham-A win
North Dorset - Dorchester
Another tough match as North Dorset came out raring to go but Dorchester pushed them back with some great attacking runs, Luke Robson was blazing through their forwards with some determined running, Casper Bailey managed to get hold of the ball and scored. Will Cladwell was his usual determined self blasting through there defences to gain a lot of ground for his team.
Brandon Weeks made some great runs, Josh Cameron and Gabriel Whale were also raring to go.
George Foot made some excellent tackles too. Ryan Haskell nearly scored but was just stopped at the line.
There was a strong Maul from Dorchester that got them to the the line and Jack Warburton scored.
Final Score Dorchester won 10 – 0
DRFC Under 12’s Away to Blandford February 21st 2010.
Blandford 14 - 55 Dorchester
Weather mild wet conditions with soft pitch
The games were played as four ten minute quarters
Blandford were undermanned so Dorchester gave them 2 from our squad.
Blandford- Dorchester -1st Quarter
From the kick Jack Warburton for Dorchester picked up the ball and made a great run at full pace dodging and dummying all the way to score a brilliant try within 60- seconds !! Groundhog day! I’m sure I said that last week !! Yes I did ???
Well done Jack !! Very impressive play again ! Jack Warburton converted !!
Sherborne were putting up a good defence, but Dorchester forwards were scrummaging and rucking well, and got the ball out to Yes! Jack Warburton who made a great run for the line and scored, again. There was some impressive mauling from both teams, some great tackling from Dorchester's Ryan Haskell and James Arnold, the later making a brilliant try saving tackle close to the line !! Gabriel Whale was making some good tackles, he was always in quickly at the rucks and mauls. Blandford made a great attack and got up to the Dorchester try line but eventually Ryan Haskell managed to gain possession and storm forward to take the ball out of danger, Josh Cameron gained possession from the maul made a great run forward and got the ball out and down the line to Theo Boyesen who dived for the line and scored,Will Caldwell converted.
Blandford- Dorchester -2nd Quarter
Blandford kicked and when Luke Robson (Man of the match) got the ball made a storming run towards the line, he was tackled but he got the ball back to his forwards got up and gained possession again and got to the try-line but the ball was knocked from his hand right on the try line disallowed. James Arnold and Ryan Haskell were having great games and eventually got the ball to Will Caldwell who made a powerful run straight through the Blandford forwards and scored a try !!
Again Dorchester's strength in the forwards showed and they were pushing the ball out to there backs who were supporting well, Theo Boyesen gained possession again and scored another great try,Will Cladwell converted. Jack Warburton gained possession he made a great run but was stopped near the Blandford line ,but the Dorchester forwards weren’t far behind and rucked over, Joe Waterman picked up the loose ball and dived for the line and scored.
Blandford- Dorchester -3rd Quarter
The third quarter started as the first and after a Blandford kick Jack Warburton gained possession he made a great run but was stopped near the 20 meter line, Luke Robson ripped the ball and made a great run and pushed hard all the way to Blandford's try line and scored .Will Channon was making some strong runs up the left wing and in the end it paid off with him getting a well deserved try for Dorchester.Will Caldwell was battling away for the Dorchester forwards and eventually broke through with one of his determined attacks and scored a great try . He then converted.
Blandford- Dorchester -4th. Quarter
Dorchester gave Blandford three of their experienced players and Dorchester were up against it for the first time in the match. Blandford scored two tries !!
DRFC Under 12’s Away to Sherborne February 14th 2010.
Sherborne 0 - 21 Dorchester
Weather very mild dry conditions with soft pitch
The games were played as four ten minute quarters
Sherborne- Dorchester -1st Quarter
From the kick Jack Warburton for Dorchester picked up the ball and made a blistering run at full pace dodging and dummying all the way to score a brilliant try within 30- seconds !! Very impressive play ! Casper Bailey converted. This was a great bonus for Dorchester and should have put them on the front foot, but Sherborne weren’t upset by this and immediately put on a really strong attack, Ryan Haskell got hold of the ball and aimed straight for the try line but was stopped by the strong Sherborne forwards, Jack Warburton ripped the ball from a strong Sherborne maul passed to James Thompson who made a valiant run for the line but was stopped, the remaining minutes were very tough for both sides and the quarter finished 7-0 Dorchester.
Sherborne- Dorchester -2nd Quarter
Sherborne kicked and were straight up and at the Dorchester defence, they had determination on their face, Casper Bailey made one of his famous try stopping tackles very close to Dorchester line, Sherborne regrouped pushed over but couldn't’t put the ball down.
Five metre scrum Sherborne pushed forward and over Dorchester line but again couldn't’t complete, great defence by Dorchester . Sherborne had a try disallowed.
Sherborne- Dorchester -3rd Quarter
Another strong Sherborne attack but Dorchester got back possession by Jack Warburton ripping again, then made an outstanding run the full length of the pitch and no one was going to stop him, he scored to great applause from all the spectators and his team mates. Casper Bailey converted.
Sherborne had a great determination about them throughout the match and to their great credit always fought back. Dorchester wouldn't’t let it rest though, a great run by George Foot pushed Dorchester forward to Sherborne's half, a maul formed and the Dorchester forwards, Josh Cameron,Will Caldwell Luke Robson and Henry Bradbury were all having a great game and were relentless in their pursuit of the ball. Marcus Sams had one of his best games to date and was a brilliant addition to the forwards strong pack, he was always in there at every maul and ruck. Dorchester though were under a lot of pressure from Sherborne and George Foot made a massive clearance kick to get Dorchester out of trouble very near the whistle! 14-0 Dorchester.
Sherborne- Dorchester -4th. Quarter
As with the last three quarters Sherborne were up and at Dorchester and put them on the back foot straight away.They kicked deep into the Dorchester half, but into the safe hands of George Voss who ran forward to clear the ball, Jack Warburton gained possession again and made another blistering run all the way to score another great try for his hat trick !! Casper Bailey converted.
Gabriel Whale (man of the match) got gold of the ball after having a great defensive game and made a brilliant run up the wing only to be stopped by an illegal trip.
But this didn’t stop Dorchester's drive and they kept the score sheet clean.
Dorset U12’s Festival. Sunday 7th Feb 2010 Hosted by Sherborne RFC
Words By Perry Boyesen
Pictures by James Caldwell
It was a cold, overcast day with no wind. There were seven teams competing: Bournemouth, Dorchester, North Dorset, Sherborne, Swanage and Wareham, Weymouth/Blandford and Wimborne.
Dorchester’s first game was against Weymouth. Seven minutes each way. From the start Dorchester seemed to have the upper hand and pushed Weymouth into their own half which is where most of the game remained and led to Dorchester’s first try by Brandon Weeks. After a purposeful run by Casper Bailey he passed to Ryan Haskell who touched down the second try . Shortly afterwards Ryan again made the line for try number three after some determined rucking by Dorchester. Second half and Dorchester continued to dominate the game leading to an explosive run by Jack Warburton for a great try. Weymouth managed to force their way into Dorchester’s half only for Greg Holland to pick up the ball and return it for the final try of the game giving Dorchester a 25- 0 win. There were no kicked conversions during this tournament.
As the temperature dropped Dorchester lined up for their second game which was against Wimborne. Wimborne kicked off and almost the entire first half was played in the centre of the pitch with both teams equal in effort and commitment, lots of scrums and a couple of line outs later it was 0-0 at half time. Second half and Wimborne pressed forward but Jack Warburton made a gripping tackle to stop Wimborne breaking free. Both teams showed great effort and support but neither were able to break the deadlock and the game finished 0-0.
Getting even colder as Dorchester faced Sherborne in the third game. Tense first few minutes ended in a good run from Sherborne and a try. Dorchester were under a lot of pressure for the first half but they defended well and collectively made some good tackles against some large opponents to make it to half time at 5-0. After a line out in the second half Sherborne dropped the ball and Dorchester pushed forward deep into their half with George Foot in particular doing sterling work and with a scrum near the Sherborne try line Dorchester pushed over and Ryan Haskell got it down for the equaliser. The rest of the game was all in no mans land, but with great determination from (among others) Will Channon, Will Caldwell and Casper Bailey, Dorchester held off a very organised Sherborne for a well deserved 5-5 draw.
So, with one win and two draws Dorchester progressed into the semi finals against Swanage and Wareham. A good spectator turnout for both sides
watched a close, tight first half with many scrums and little advantage until Swanage broke down the left to score a try and lead 5-0 at half time. Dorchester started the second half with visible determination and after a quickly taken penalty by Casper Bailey leveled the match. Dorchester then put Swanage under a lot of pressure but could not score and then suddenly Swanage kicked down field, followed and scored what would be the winning try. There were looks of immense disappointment all over the Dorchester team but this just shows the team has heart and should be proud of a competitive and highly entertaining performance. Jack Warburton was rightly chosen as man of the festival.
Weather mild wet conditions with wet boggy pitch.The games were played as two twenty minute halves on a full size pitch.
After the Bridport start Jack Warburton for Dorchester gained possession and made a storming run straight into the Bridport forwards but gained a lot of ground.The ball was turned over and from the ruck Bridport started to show that they were up for a big game!! They were on the attack straight away and penetrated into the Dorchester half, but they lost possession and the ball went to ground and Dorchester made a storming attack over the top and won the ruck.Will Caldwell then made more ground with a really determined run into there forwards. Casper Bailey was into the action making some great tackles and runs.The first 5 minutes the ball was alternating between Bridport and Dorchester, but Bridport seemed to be taking the upper hand and were really determined and strong. Bridport had some very strong backs who kept testing Dorchester’s defences.
It was a tough match and playing on the full size pitch was really showing with a lot of the players looking quite tired already !Jack Warburton and Will Caldwell almost made it through but were stopped on the line. George Voss made a great run and got to the try line but it was disallowed.Greg Holland made a great run but was forced into touch. Eventually after 9mins Casper Bailey made it through and scored. He then converted. After 20 minutes of tough rugby Bridport made it to the Dorcheter try line but couldn't’t quite touch the ball down.On the turnover Dorchester ran forward with Jack Warburton scoring a great try. Casper Bailey Converted. A quick restart Bridport still had their heads up and tried to get through but Jack Warburton ripped the ball from a ruck stormed forward and scored again !! Casper Bailey Converted.
Half time score Bridport 0 Dorchester 21
Bridport came back into the second half with lots more determination and straight away put Dorchester on the back foot. Dorcheter again took possession and James Arnold made a great attacking run and nearly scored, but Casper Bailey managed to recover the ball and scored another great try. He then converted. Four min's into the half and Ryan Haskell (man of the match) got hold of the ball and blasted through with one of his brilliantly determined attacks, and after deflecting a lot of the Bridport tackles got through to score a great try. Casper Bailey converted.
After eleven minutes Bridport managed to break through and make a well deserved try. They then converted,Will Channon for Dorchester made some great runs, Josh Cameron was always fighting hard in the rucks and mauls. Jack Warburton scored another try and Casper Bailey converted. Bridport got one more back before the final whistle
Final score Dorchester win 42- 14
Weymouth 7 Dorchester 63
(Uncontested scrums)
Weather warm very wet and windy
The games were played as two twenty minute halves.
Weymouth-Dorchester -1st Half
Weymouth came out all guns blazing and made some storming runs with their strong forwards and pushed forward almost to the Dorchester try line.
Dorchester managed to hold them back and regroup. Weymouth went to ground and Dorchester won the ruck (a sign a things to come!!).
George Voss made a strong push forward from the ruck and got the ball out to the back line, Weymouth tackled well and were into another ruck straight away but Greg Holland and Gabriel Whale were straight in and over the top and forced the Weymouth forwards off the ball and opened it up for Dorchester to pick it up, the back line passed well and got the ball out to Brandon Weeks who powered himself to a great try. Casper Bailey converted.
Dorchester now with a try under their belt were not complacent, as from the kick Weymouth were up and at them with powerful storming runs and some great passing skills, George Voss and Ryan Haskell made some very important strong tackles to slow the Weymouth attack, but they managed to push through and score a well deserved try. Weymouth converted.
This was developing into a really interesting and equally balanced match, there were some great attacks from both sides, Jack Warburton (Man of the Match) and Ryan Haskell made some of their characteristic storming runs straight through the opposition, George Voss and Joss Cameron were on great form with some excellent tackles, eventually this paid off and Jack Warburton made a brilliant run to score a try. Casper Bailey converted. From the kick Jack Warburton grabbed the ball and ran from the half way line straight at and through Weymouth to score a brilliant try in the first minute from the restart! Casper Bailey converted.
Half Time Score: - Dorchester 21 Weymouth 7
From the kick Dorchester were straight into the thick of it with a blistering run by Gabriel Whale who nearly made the try line but was tackled but he managed to pop the ball up and Casper Bailey finished it off for a great try.
Weymouth were starting to feel the pressure from this strong Dorchester side and Dorchester were now finding ways through that weren’t open to them at the start of the game! Casper bailey made one of his brilliant searching runs through them and scored another try .He then converted.
Ryan Haskell got hold of the ball again and went straight through the opposition to score a very well deserved try. Ryan Haskell converted. From another strong attack Dorchester were into a maul right on the Weymouth try line and Jamie Russell who was in the middle of it managed to break off ball in hand and score great try. Will Caldwell converted.
Another strong attack and Jack Warburton got the ball head down didn’t look back and scored the final try of the match. George Foot converted.
Final score Dorchester win 63 – 7
Man of the match Jack Warburton
Weather cold wet and windy
The games were played as two twenty five minute halves.
1st Half
North Dorset came out with all guns blazing and attacked strongly.
After the initial surge Dorchester started taking control, backs Gabriel Whale and Casper were straight up and at them. Ryan Haskell started strong from the start and kept making strong penetrating surges forward into the North Dorset forwards.
The Dorchester forwards were up against formidable opponents but kept pushing through, Jamie Russell was in great form and attacked and went for the line and scored but was disallowed.
From the scrum Dorchester managed to win the ball Casper Picked picked the ball up and did one of his tricky darting runs to the line and scored. Casper bailey then converted. North Dorset regrouped and pulled together, but Jack Warburton collected the ball from the kick off and surged forward straight at the opposition, he got it out to Gabriel Whale who ran forward but was stopped by the strong forward line.
George Foot made a very decisive crunching tackle but took a big knock in the process.
On the restart North Dorset picked up the pace and just sneaked through for a try then converted.
From the restart Ryan Haskell inside centre took the ball head down and made a tremendous run and after fighting off a lot of heavy opposition dived to the touchline and scored. Dorchester not content to sit back got the ball back into Ryan Haskell’s very capable hands and he almost made another try within a few minutes of the last!
Casper Bailey made another blistering run to the line but had his try disallowed.
Ryan Haskell scored again with a brilliant strong run just before half time. Casper Bailey converted.
After a strong restart by North Dorset and Casper Bailey made another brilliant try saving tackle to kill their momentum just at half time.
Half Time Score: - Dorchester 19 North Dorset 7
2nd Half
From the kick off Jack Warburton sprinted to the ball took control surged forward and scored one minute into the second half! Casper Bailey converted.
Dorchester again took possession from the kick got the ball to Gabriel Whale who made a brilliant run into the opposition but dodged and dummied and made great ground. North Dorset were now getting the bit between their teeth and the game was getting a lot tougher, they were determined to come back, but Will Caldwell put a stop to one of their forward attacks picked the ball up and with great determination and strength forced his way through and scored a great try. Casper Bailey converted.
Henry Bradbury came on and got straight into his forward position and picked up on the pace of the game and was very impressive in the mauls and rucks as was Jamie Russell who never stopped pushing them back and getting into the action. Brandon Weeks also got into the spirit of the game and made some outstanding runs and gained a lot of ground.
North Dorset weren’t sitting back and were determined to get back and were making some great forward pushes with their pack, Dorchester were having trouble containing them and in the end North Dorset powered their way to the try line and scored, and successfully converted.
James Arnold came on for his first game for Dorchester and made a great contribution with great enthusiasm and determination.
North Dorset were on a roll and got straight back into the Dorchester forwards powered through and scored another try and conversion.
Will Caldwell again took control of the ball and kept attacking and got the ball out to Jack Warburton who scored another great try with Casper Bailey converting.
Man of the match Ryan Haskell
Weather very mild dry conditions with hard and dry pitch.
The games were played as two ten minute halves.
Playing with a stronger looking side and a strong pack Trowbridge were immediately up against Dorchester and not letting them settle for one minute.
But Dorchester sharpened up their forward play which gave their backs some space and Dorchester broke through with a strong run by Brandon Weeks and Ryan Haskell who passed to Casper Bailey who made another one of his great runs straight into the opposition which was too much for the Trowbridge defence and he got through but the ball was not touched down completely.
But from the scrum that followed Casper Bailey made up for it and made a bolt for the line and scored. He then converted successfully
7-0 DRFC
Trowbridge were determined to get back and were straight into Dorchester with some hard mauling and rucks. Their were some great runs from Ben Wellman, and Casper Bailey made two very important tackles in succession to stop Trowbridge’s momentum. Trowbridge were pushing forward all the time and it was only due to some great tackling and defensive play from Dorchester that stopped them scoring. Joe Waterman for Dorchester was having a strong game in the forwards and when Henry Bradbury came on he was straight into the attack. Josh Cameron was pushing forward into the action all the time and was always there at the breakdown (Man of Match for Dorchester) Jack Warburton was relentless in his attacking runs and was always testing the Trowbridge forwards, Dorchester managed to keep the aggressive attack from Trowbridge back until the final whistle. 7-0 final whistle.
Dorchester 28 Bridport 0
Weather very mild dry conditions with hard and dry pitch.
The games where played as two ten minute halves.
Bridport didn’t have a full team so Dorchester had to help them with some players. Dorchester soon got on the attack and were making good strong inroads into the oppositions defence. Will Caldwell was making some big important tackles which created an opening for Casper who made a great run and scored. Casper bailey converted. 7-0 DRFC
The Dorchester backs were creating some good space and making some really strong attacks, after a particularly nice looking forward move with lots of sharp passing from Casper Bailey, George Foot, George Voss on the wing, made a great run and scored. 14-0 DRFC. Dorchester made some really strong attacks again and Jamie Russell made some really important strong tackle.
Bridport came back into the second half with lots more determination and straight away put Dorchester on the back foot. But Dorchester regrouped and started playing with the same strength and motivation as the first half, eventually after a great run from Ryan Haskell (playing his first game for Dorchester) resulting in a try for George Foot Converted by Casper Bailey. 21-0 DRFC
Dorchester carried on with the strong attack, George Foot made some strong runs and Ben Wellman (playing his first game for Dorchester) made a great run forward and passed to Brandon Weeks who scored . Converted by Casper Bailey.
28-0 final whistle.
Weather very mild dry conditions with hard and dry pitch.
The game was split up into four ten minute quarters.
After a strong start by Swans, Dorchester were quite easily pushed back to a defensive position and were on the back foot for most of the quarter. Scrums rucks and mauls were going Swans way.
After some swift back line movement Swans got the first try but failed to convert.
Dorchester were in some trouble and needed to make some changes.
Second quarter Dorchester started to pick up the pace and show a bit more determination. Dorchester forwards were getting stronger and they were moving the ball out to the backs and gaining ground.
Jack Warbuton was making some very strong attacking runs, Casper Bailey, scrum half, was making some astounding tackles and never stopped moving around the pitch.
Josh Cameron was always there on the breakdown with Gabriel Whale, Will Channon and Luke Robson.
Will Caldwell was making strong surges forward into the oppositions strong front line.
After a period of sustained pressure and a strong forward run by Gabriel Whale, George Foot made a powerful surge for the line and scored a try. Casper Bailey converted.
Third Quarter and Dorchester were finding themselves in a stronger position than expected but Swans were still their very efficient selves always reforming the back line quickly and making some very hard forward attacks. Consequently they scored and then converted.The score was now 12-7 Swans
Fourth Quarter
Dorchester were straight back into it and the determination to win was obvious, there were some outstanding surges forward from James Thomson (man of the match for DRFC) George Voss and Greg Holland, Swans were on the back foot and Alex Pursglove made a strong run and pushed himself through for a great try,Casper Bailey Converted,14 -12 Dorchester.
Dorchester weren’t content to sit back and kept the pace up, after another strong period of pressure Swans were forced back to their try line the fullback tried for a clearance kick but the ball was charged down and Brandon Weeks stole a great try.