fixture list |
under 14 reports |
A long journey to Devizes almost ended in disappointment when the hosts weren’t expecting the county town side, however some quick thinking enabled a game to take place but only with a 10 minute warm up.
Having spent nearly 2 hours travelling it would have been reasonable to expect Dorchester to have started slowly this wasn’t however the case as they started to exploit gaps in the home sides defence as they exerted plenty of early pressure. Good work by Luke Doherty on the flank and excellent support work by stand in wingers Sam Pollard and Connor Skelland ensued the ball was kept alive and pressure kept up. Excellent running and hands saw Dorchester end the half 28-5 up thanks to 3 Callum King (Beers on you Pete!) and 1 Chris Lawton try all of which King converted. Devizes managed 1 consolation score which went unconverted.
Half time replacements Ali James, Hugh Vivian and Freddie Madgwick all made instant impressions as Dorchester continued were they left off. A break by full back Will Holmes saw him put a clever grubber kick through which Skelland chased and touch down for his first try for the side. Devizes to their credit kept competing and were rewarded with another unconverted try, however in fairness they were no match for the incisive play of Dorchester where scrum half Ben Jessup performed well. A further try for King and a touch down for Harry Smith completed the scoring before the referee ended the game 10 minutes early.
After the game Lead Coach Peter James was slightly bemused by some of the referees decisions but was pleased with how his players didn’t let it affect them.
Team: Clarke, Trenchard, Rubrecht, Dale, Ford, Doherty, Bickley, Lawton, Jessup, Smith, King, Holland, Pollard, Skelland, Holmes, James, Madgwick, Vivian.
It was back to winning ways for Dorchester as a run of loses came to an end in an entertaining and tough game. That said there were aspects of the performance that are still frustrating the coaches. A bright start saw the visitors exert all the early pressure which was rewarded when Harry Smith carved open the home sides defence as he went in under the posts, Callum King added the conversion. Sherborne started to get back in the game but were unable to cope with Dorchesters rush defence which caused them problems all game. A yellow card for Smith and Sherbornes loose head prop meant the next 10 minutes were played 14 a side, each side benefitted with Dorchester scoring first when King showed his strength and speed to score and convert a try. Sherborne then hit back with their only pressure of the half and got a deserved converted score and the half ended 14-7 to Dorchester.
The second half started well fro Dorchester as they continued to press, Kieran Fry showed his pace following some great work in the close by James Bickley and the impressive Hugh Vivian and went over . At this stage Dorchester had a firm grip on the game due entirely to the forwards who rucked magnificently and provided good quality ball for Ali James to use. Sherbornes pack competed well at the breakdown but it was out wide that Dorchester had the edge where Will Batt and Frank Budden tackled with real purpose and the whole team were led well by Will Holmes. Smith got on the score sheet with his second when he followed up his charge down this was again converted by King. A set move from inside their own half saw King put away by Smith who then ran his second Dorchester fifth try he added the extras as well. Sherborne had the last word with a try following a clearance kick and unusually the Dorchester defence were caught napping.
After the game Head Coach Peter James was happier man than after recent games when he said that his side had competed well and created loads of possession but at times were guilty of over complicating matters.
Team: Vivian, Rubrecht, White, Madgwick, Ford, Skelland, Bickley, Harries, James, Smith, King, Budden, Fry, Batt, Holmes, Trenchard, Doherty
Dorchesters run of losses continued in this well contested game, and they have only themselves to blame, as they had the opportunity to put this game beyond doubt but for some reason either couldn’t or didn’t want to.
Trowbridge started brightly and took the lead in the first half with a break down the blind side, if the game was decided on possession then this would have been a victory for the home side however it isn’t and they need to develop more of a killer instinct in the midfield. Some tactical changes at the interval saw Dorchester get back into the game in the second half with some long awaited running and passing and surprise surprise a try was scored following some good inter play between Hugh Vivian, Harry Smith and finally Kieran Fry who went over in the corner. At last Dorchester began to impose themselves and should have added to their tally. Some in discipline at the breakdown gave Trowbridge a simple penalty kick which was the final scoring opportunity.
Although there were some positives the coaching staff and become worried about the lack of bite in their backs and this is something which will need to be corrected at training
County Cup Final
A flattering final score which doesn’t do Dorchester justice, not that Wimborne didn’t deserve their win because they did, it was the concession of 3 soft tries which undid the county town side. Playing into a very stiff wind and up hill in the first half they defended well at times but the opposition made good use of the elements in their favour to end the first period 20 – 0 up.
The second half saw Dorchester hit back in style with the backline at last showing their teeth when quick ball saw Will Holmes put away and over in the far corner. Following the restart Dorchester had a scrum just in their half, Number 8 Chris Lawton picked and fed Harry Smith who made a 25 yard break before offloading to Callum King who went in under the post he also added the conversion. With Dorchester in the ascendency they started putting together some good phases of play and when King was held up the expectation was the county side were going to add to their tally. King took a stamp to the knee and had to leave the pitch to receive treatment. When he returned the momentum had gone from Dorchesters game and two late touchdowns gave Wimborne the cup.
After the game Lead Coach Peter James felt his side had competed well and had they got an 3rd score the outcome may have been different, however congratulations to Wimborne and good luck in the Dorset & Wilts Final on March 29th.
Dorchester came of second best in this contest. Bridport exploited the weaknesses out wide and the county town side had no answers and for the first time this season Dorchester failed to trouble the score board. That said the forwards competed well at scrums and the breakdown and secured enough ball to make more of a game. Unusually the back line lacked any purpose and direction.
Trailing 17-0 at the break the second half saw Dorchester totally dominate but were unable to cross the try line, thanks to an excellent defence by the home side. To make matters worse Bridport scored a break away try in the final minutes and were very deserved winners.
Bournemouth 20 v 17 Dorchester
Four weeks after the semi final it was back to Bournemouth who were still smarting after their cup exit. With Dorchester having one eye on the final it was a slightly different looking Dorchester that took to the field they once again allowed themselves to be sucked into the hosts forward dominated game plan. 10 minutes into the game and the visitors had had no meaningful possession and from a series of drives and picks and go Bournemouth took the lead with an unconverted try. From the restart Dorchester again found themselves on the back foot, a little break from Harry Smith made valuable ground before he offloaded, from the next phase Kieran Fry found himself in space and through and over to level the score. With the coaches pleading with their boys to use the width they duly obliged and Bournemouth were forced to defend deeply and sometimes right on the edge. With the county town backs starting to impose themselves they deservedly took the lead when Callum King weaved his way through to give them a 10-5 half time lead.
The second half started as the first ended with Dorchester tightening their grip on the game, and playing Bournemouth at their own game they kept it tight and drove up the pitch and over the try lie with Hugh Vivian getting the all important touchdown. Having not trained for a few weeks fitness began to tell and with the home side operating a rolling substitution, fresh legs began to tell. Whereas Dorchester were forced to make changes with Kane Peacefull-Day (broken nose) and Ben Rubrecht (neck) having to leave the pitch their rhythm was affected and Bournemouth touched 3 further times to pip Dorchester and gain some revenge. The final minutes saw Dorchester mount a huge drive which made them 30 metres to almost the Bournemouth try line only for the referee to award a scrum to the home side. Game over!
After the match Lead Coach Peter James said whilst the final score was against his team he and the other coaches had learnt a lot from the game.
Team: White, Doherty, Harries, Ford, Vivian, Fry, Lawton, Bickley, James, Smith, Budden, King, Holmes, Peacefull-Day, Holland, Trenchard, Rubrecht, Vallance.
A thoroughly hard fought victory against a very useful Bridport side that have improved significantly in the last 12 months and who caused the home side problems throughout the game. Dorchester played into a strong wind in the first half and started well using the width of the pitch however the visitors defence was well marshalled and kept the hosts at bay. Bridports fly half kicked sensibly and pinned Dorchester in their own half. Although the home side scrummaged well they didn’t always make the best use of their possession, gradually Bridport edged closer and closer and from a planned move deservedly took the lead with an unconverted try. The remainder of the half was played out in Dorchester’s half and the home side were pleased with only a 0-5 deficit at the break.
The second period saw Dorchester level the scores within a minute when inside centre Kieran Fry was the benefactor of some slick passing which put him away on over. With the game even more balanced and with the wind at their backs the home side started putting some good phases together and had the visitors on the back foot a chip over the top had Will Holmes chasing down the full back who hesitated allowed to Holmes to gather, an off load to Chris Lawton saw him over and Dorchester were in front. If the home side thought they would now pull away they were mistaken when Bridport launched a series of attacks and were rewarded with an unconverted try.
Shocked into response Dorchester took the challenge and with James Bickley and Connor Skelland running freely in the loose Bridport had to defend deeply a simple pass to Fry saw him over for his second of the game. The home side were now in the ascendancy and Lawton at number 8 showed why he can be such a dangerous player when he ran in his second from 40 metres out with no Bridport player able to get near him. Score 20-10 with the seconds ticking away Bridport launched one further attack and came away with the games first converted score but it was just too late.
After the game Fitness Coach Kevin White said that this was a display full of grit and determination and showed what this is capable of against a very good side. Whilst we don’t normally single players out a special mention must go Ben Vallance who had his best game of the season well done Ben.
Team: Batt, Bickley, Budden, Dale, Doherty, Foot, Fry, Harries, Holmes, James, Lawton, Madgwick, Makepeace, Pollard, Rubrecht, Skelland, Smith, Vallance, Vivian, White.
A week on from the famous semi final win and although Dorchester won comfortably however there were too many similarities in respect of lack of conviction at the foot of rucks which enabled the opposition the opportunity to get back into the game.
Dorchester made a lighting start when their backs spread the ball quickly and within 10 minutes were 10-0 up courtesy of tries from Callum King and Kieran Fry. At this stage the visitors realised they needed to shore up their defence and moved their big Number 8 to inside centre and this certainly gave them some momentum as within several minutes they were on the score sheet following a period of sustained pressure they got a well deserved try. The respite was shortlived as the home side launched an attack from the restart, following several phases the impressive Hugh Vivian found himself in space and for a prop showed nimble feet and speed of mind as he went over under the posts the conversion gave the home side a 17-5 lead. Dorchester then allowed themselves to be sucked in to Exmouths game of keeping it tight and the frustration showed on the Dorchesters coaches faces. A converted score to Exmouth narrowed the gap to 17-12 which is how the scores lay at the break.
A stern talk at half time certainly inspired Dorchester as they set about imposing themselves and once again by using the backs they made their superiority tell when King weaved his way through and under the posts for a converted score. It was hoped this would signal a more expansive game from the home side but the fans were disappointed as they were once again sucked in to a battle up front. Pleasing though was the performance of the home pack as they tested Exmouth on the their put in and Stephen Trenchard took a couple against the head. In the knowledge that they were more than a match for their visitors, Dorchester continually battered the Exmouth line and were rewarded when that try scoring machine Hugh Vivian crashed over for his 2nd of the game and the final play of the game.
After the game Team Manager Andrew Smith said that although this was a comfortable victory he and the coaches were looking for the team to play an expansive game and that they would continue to work on this in the coming weeks.
Team; Vivian, Trenchard, Clarke, Dale, Ford, Pollard, Fry, David, Jessup, Smith, Budden, King, Peacefull-Day, Holmes, Holland, White, Vallance, Foot, Madgwick
Bournemouth 15 v 17 Dorchester
County Cup Semi-final
With neither team having played since before Christmas there was much anticipation from both camps and neither were disappointed with their respective performances. This game was being billed as Bournemouth Forwards v Dorchester backs but this is not fair to the Dorchester pack because although smaller they were mobile and gave their opposite numbers plenty to think about in all aspects of the game.
Bournemouth started strongly using their well drilled forwards to rumble the up the field and they deservedly took the lead after 5 minutes with an unconverted try. From the restart Dorchester hit back almost immediately when they launched their first attack and quick hands saw Will Holmes put away down the wing and over for the touchdown, Callum King added the extras from out wide. This gave the visitors the boost they were looking for and they started putting some good phases of play together, from a ruck on Bournemouths 22, scrum half Ali James was very patient waiting for good ball and spun it wide with the home defence overly concerned about Kings presence they ignored Kieran Fry to his right who crashed over , advantage Dorchester and a half time lead of 12-5.
The second half started ominously for Dorchester as their hosts came out in determined fashion and set about reducing the deficit. As in the first half they relied on their powerful pack to punch holes in Dorchester defence, and with the visitors content not to tackle it was inevitable that Bournemouth would score and they did and although the conversion was missed they had narrowed the gap to 2 points. Although they competed well Dorchester could not get their hands on the ball and when this happens it becomes imposible to score. Credit must go to Bournemouth for this as they grew in confidence and started to stretch the visitors defence.
From a scrum on Dorchesters 22 a pick and go by Bournemouth down the blind side saw them take the lead 15-12. With the time ticking away Dorchester found themselves defending deep in their own half and with little prospect of getting a score. When they were awarded a penalty quick thinking by Harry Smith saw him tap and put King away he made 30 metres before offloading, Holmes who appeared clean through before being subject to a high tackle 22 metres out, from this penalty he tapped and went,a rolling maul saw Dorchester cross the line and that all important touch down came from Hugh Vivian, the conversion was missed and the game was won!!
After the game Director of Rugby Peter James said that this game marked two firsts, beating Bournemouth, and reaching a county cup final. The lads done well and I am immensely proud of them it was once again a fantastic team effort.
Team: Vivian, Doherty, White, Madgwick, Ford, Harries, Trenchard, Lawton, James, Smith, Holmes, King, Fry,
Budden, Foot ,Pollard, Dale, Holland
When a team scores 9 unopposed tries and the coaches are unhappy with the result, one wonders if the Christmas spirit at Dorchester is all “Bah Humbug’’. However this was a disappointing game where Dorchester never really hit any rhythm and fussed too much about the opposition rather than getting on with their own game.
Oakmeadians turned up one player short, so Sam P after his sparkling display on the wing against Chichester started for the opposition. The first half saw tries from Will H, Chris L and Kieran F. The pack worked hard in the set piece but lacked any bite around the loose play, possession was scrappy and thus the backs did not distribute the ball with any pace.
Changes at half time saw Sam P back with Dorchester at second row and scoring his first try for Dorchester following a knock down from a lineout. Freddie M after joining Lewis W in an altercation with the opposing second row (twice their size!) had reluctantly joined the opposition and was happy to play out of position at centre to avoid further trouble. Some better rucking provided quicker ball and Callum K launched the back line who at last passed the ball all the way to the wing, it must be Christmas as miracles do happen!! and Will H celebrated his selection from the Saxons squad to join the final selection squad for Dorset and Wilts with three further tries. The scrummage improved with French Ben taking three strikes against the head. Josh F, acting as captain toda , played an assured game at full back.
Callum K, also through to the final selection county squad, scored two tries following good work from James B and Frank B. However he had borrowed his kicking boots from Butch James and only one try was converted. (Beware Callum , kicking coach Peely has offered you the Christmas present you always wanted, a special one to one kicking clinic!)
Thanks to all the players turning out for a half each for the opposition including Charlie H who came on as the pantomime villain to play scrum half for Oaks when they lost a player to injury. Thanks also from the coaches, the three ugly sisters or the three wise men? to Mr H who provided refreshments in the bar afterwards to celebrate his sons scoring feast.
Squad; Josh F, Will H, Frank B, Kieran F, Kane PD, Callum K, Ali J, Ben V, Ben C, French Ben, Ripper, Lewis W, Henry D, Freddie M ,Max F, Sam P, JJ, Chris L, James B
We look forward to the New Year hoping for a fully fit squad and some testing games in January against Wimborne, Bournemouth and North Dorset.
A Happy Christmas to all players, parents and opponents checking out our website!
Dorchester 22 v 7 Swanage & Wareham
A scrappy game which the home side did enough to win comfortably, but made hard work of it. The tone of the game was set from the kick off when 2 Dorchester forwards failed to claim the kick and then had to defend against a spirited Swans side. Fortunately for Dorchester, once the ball got out to the visitors backs it became quite pedestrian and the home side were able to quell any threat. With the cold conditions making control of the ball difficult numerous errors made for a stop start game. The home side gradually got into the game and a good handling move saw Callum King go over in the corner. This seemed to spur the boys in green and white on and with greater fluency to their game imposed themselves although Swans defended valiantly King crashed over with the final play of the half to give the home side a 10-0 advantage.
A stern talking to from Head Coach Pete James in the interval along with some tactical replacements gave Dorchester a greater edge as the second half got under way, Luke Doherty (on his return from injury) got stuck in with a huge tackle and from this moment Swans were on the back foot and had the home side not squandered scoring chances the winning margin would have been much higher. Various promising attacks faltered as the Swans defence held firm, finally from a 5 metre scrum Number 8 Chris Lawton went blind and touched down, King added the conversion. Minutes later Dorchester stretched the lead when Will Holmes touched down following a planned move. This should have signalled the start of the home side closing the match out, however Swans launched an attack from inside their own half and thanks to too many missed tackles they deservedly got on the score sheet with a converted try.
Dorchester looked in vain for a further score and it was not to be as Swans continued to defend and keep the hosts at bay and Dorchester had to settle for a 15 point winning margin.
After the game Team Manager Andrew Smith said “ although there were a couple of good individual performances and it was good to see Luke Doherty back from injury, the boys have had better days at the office”
Team: Harries, Rubrecht, Vallance, Vivian, Dale, Skelland, Lawton, Pollard, Jessup, Smith, King, Fry, Holmes, Batt, Holland, White, Doherty, Madgwick, James.
County Cup Q/F
Dorchester 15 v 5 North Dorset
A game in which the coaches threw down the challenge to their players to lift their performance to another level and to banish the memory of a disappointing defeat against the same opponents 6 weeks ago and that is exactly what Dorchester did in this county cup quarter final with a display full of patience determination and excellent decision making.
In fairness there is very little between these two sides, the difference today being Dorchesters burning desire to deliver. The first 10 minutes or so were played in the middle of the park with Dorchester electing to play up the slope and into a stiff breeze defending well and disrupting a well organised North Dorset pack, as the half progressed the visitors started to impose themselves and put the home defence under pressure. Following a penalty just inside Dorchesters 22, North Dorset elected to run it and were rewarded for their inventiveness with a well taken but unconverted try.
Dorchester slowly got themselves back in the game with some excellent work by their hardworking forwards. North Dorset gave away a penalty on their 5 metre line for going off their feet, quick thinking by Harry Smith saw him put Will Holmes in under the posts only for the referee to rule for the penalty to be retaken by which time North Dorset had organised their defence and so the half time whistle came with the visitors 0-5 up.
The start of the second period saw Dorchester draw level when their restart kick was chased by Holmes and with scrum half Ali James (playing the best rugby of his life) providing quick ball Callum King broke down the blindside and over the whitewash to level the scores. It was now Dorchesters turn to impose themselves and it was easy to see the confidence building in the team as they competed well at the breakdown and provided plenty of clean ball which Dorchester used well. The home side took the lead when Smith kicked over the advancing defence and King hacked on gathered and touched down.
There then followed a period during which the home side switched off and with only 5 points difference one lapse of concentration could have been decisive, however it was clear the boys in green and white were not going to give up and they slowly got themselves back into the game, again thanks to some terrific play by the pack, and when Smith sent a clever grubber kick through and with two defenders against Callum King there was only going to be one winner and King got that all important touch down to seal the game and a place in the semi final.
This was a game which showed rugby at its best with every single Dorchester player doing their bit contributing to a team performance resulting in a well deserved victory. A special mention must go the 2 replacements JJ and Will Batt who waited patiently and didn’t get on the pitch their turn will come well done for your support.
After the game Lineout Coach Ian Madgwicks only comment was “most awesometh!”
Team: White, Rubrecht, Vivian, Madgwick, Ford, Bickley, Trenchard, Lawton, James, Smith, King, Fry, Budden, Holmes, Holland, Batt, David.
Blandford 48 v 10 Dorchester
Dorchester at Blandford’s request took a development “13” for a wet and windy encounter this Sunday. Blandford could only field 10 players with one substitute, so a ten a side game was played with Dorchester rolling on and off their three substitutes.
Blandford played up the hill and into the hail for the first half and created the first two scores out wide. Dorchester had forgotten how to tackle and rather than commit to any hard bone crunching tackles tried to grab shirts in a vain attempt to stop each attack. This lack of commitment was not evident at the scrummage where the front row applied good pressure and upset their opponents at each scrum. However 10 a side does not suit those who would prefer a good upfront battle at close quarters!
Dorchester got on the scoreboard with a powerful run from Frank Budden and Josh Foot was close with the conversion attempt. Blandford responded with three further scores, well converted by their captain. Frank Budden scoring again in reply, following some aggressive running by Henry Dale.
The second half showed some better play by Dorchester with the replacements of Kane Peaceful Day and Steve Trenchard making a difference both at close quarters and tackling out wide. Both JJ and Connor Skelland playing in unfamiliar positions both played well. However Blandford’s confidence was now growing and they put together some good phases of play and scored two good unanswered tries to complete a well deserved victory.
The score line does not reflect the effort put in by some of the squad who played hard and were not suited to ten man rugby .They will ensure some awkward decisions faced by the coaches on who to select in the cup game next week. For others the game showed that there is still a lot to learn both in basic skills but more importantly in the commitment required when the senior players are absent and everyone needs to step up to the mark rather than allowing others to do the hard graft.
Blandford made us all most welcome and it is nice to be asked back for another fixture with our development team . Let’s hope that last years ridiculous accusation of playing over age and too big players is behind us, they obviously have not seen how big some of these same players are this year and they can not have played the Bournemouth lads yet!!
Team; Ben Clarke, Ripper, Ben Vallance, Henry Dale, Sam Pollard, Steve Trenchard, JJ, Connor Skelland ,Ben Jessup, Josh Foot, Frank Budden, Josh Peel, Kane Peaceful Day.
Mark Twain once said “Rumours of my death have been greatly exaggerated” and this could easily have been said of Bournemouth, as rumours have been rife that they are half the side they were. From this mornings performance (as Dorchester can testify) things have been exaggerated.
That said there is little between these two sides and this made for a very entertaining game, and if Dorchester can be criticised it will be for running the ball back into Bournemouth’s’ forwards when getting it wide would have served better. Both sides started brightly and with some big tackles early doors this set the tone for the rest of the game, and once the referee had protested to one of the Bournemouth coaches for unnecessary criticism from the touchlines, the game settled to a pattern and both sets of players should be congratulated for the way the game was played.
Dorchester got the games first score when a rare break from Dorchester’s backs following a penalty saw Frank Budden go over when he out paced the visitors defence. The try went unconverted. The visitors gradually got themselves back in the game with some excellent rucking and mauling which had Dorchester going backwards. Bournemouth got their reward with a well taken converted score, and with play even for the remainder of the first period the interval saw the visitors lead 5-7.
Bournemouth began brightly and again had Dorchester on the back foot using their strength of their forward to gain valuable ground and following a sustained period of pressure got their second score. Dorchester battled hard but never seemed to make that all important line break although Kieran Fry made a great break only to be tackled just short and Bournemouth cleared their lines. Both sides continued to work hard and were determined not to concede any further scores, however despite some stern defending Bournemouth got their final score which with only 3 minutes remaining put the game beyond Dorchester.
After the game Director of Rugby Peter James felt his boys had put in a great effort although there were some aspects of the game which will need some work on.
Team: White, Makepeace, Vivian, Madgwick, Ford, Bickley, Trenchard, Lawton, James, Smith, Batt, Fry, Foot, Budden, Holland, Clarke, Pollard.
Another long journey, another hard earned but deserved victory for the boys in green and white. With some late withdrawals it was left to the coaching staff to juggle the remaining players to ensure they had a strong line up against the unknown quantity of their hosts. The early exchanges were even and this pretty much set the tone for the remainder of this entertaining game. Dorchester scrummaged well, with Ripper hooking well, their backs looked slightly sharper and certainly more direct, whereas Paignton had a very effective lineout, and they stole several of Dorchester's despite some excellent throwing by Jacob Holland. The first score came from a scrum 10 metres out when Number 8 Chris Lawton picked and went blind to cross the line unopposed.
From the restart Paignton launched a series of counter attacks and were rewarded with a well worked score. At this stage the visitors were beginning to put in some good phases of play involving forwards and backs and when Josh Foot cleverly kicked through Callum King was quick to re gather the ball close to the touchline, from the resulting ruck James Bickleys’ quick thinking saw the ball whipped out to the backs and with Dorchester’s band of loyal travelling supporters screaming for Harry Smith to score he unselfishly passed to put Kieran Fry over to restore the lead with the final play of the half.
The second period saw Dorchester start sluggishly and following a period of too many missed tackles Paignton once gain got back in the game and into the lead with a converted score, at this point Dorchester’s resolve began too tell as did their tackling, on several occasions they had to dig deep to keep their hosts out and relied on the boot of King and Smith to clear their lines.
The former got his first touchdown when he out paced the home defence to go over out wide, he was successful with the kick. Paignton continued to look for another score but couldn’t find a way through and in their eagerness gave a couple of needles penalties which allowed Dorchester get out of jail. From a tap penalty King found the gap and touched down, Smith narrowly missed the conversion from the touchline. This was the final meaningful passage of play and Dorchester ran out winners.
After the game Backs Coach Garry Jessup said he felt this was a workmanlike performance and that the players should be proud of their efforts.
Team: White, Makepeace, Vivian, Clarke, Dale, Lawton, Bickley, Batt, Jessup, Smith, King, Foot, Holmes, Fry, Holland, Peel, Harries.
After the disappointment of the previous game, the Dorchester players were left under no illusion as to what was expected today and to the coaches delight didn’t disappoint. With the wind swirling and the rain making handling difficult the visitors started the more positive and had their hosts on the back foot from the start.
Callum King settled any early nerves with a penalty. Soon after King broke down the left chipped ahead and Will Holmes using his speed and strength out paced the defence and touched down. With Kieran Fry playing at scrum half and using the ball sensibly Dorchester set about extending their lead, King got his first try virtue of some good play between the backs and forwards. Minutes later Fry broke down the blindside from a scrum 15 metres out and wriggled over. At this stage Sherborne were struggling to contain a buoyant Dorchester side who were intent on playing attractive rugby, they didn’t allow the early loss of Ben Rubrecht to affect them. The forwards led well by Hugh Vivian got in on the action, and had the measure of the opposition up front. The first half scoring was wrapped up by Kings 2nd try together with 2 conversions gave the visitors a 27-0 lead at the break.
Sherborne started the second period much brighter and put in some committed tackles but this was not enough , following a period of pressure Stephen Trenchard forced an error by the home full back who spilled the ball and Harry Smith had the easiest of jobs to cross the line. Further tries by King and Holmes put the game out of reach before Sherborne had their best spell of the game playing for 10 minutes in Dorchesters 22, unfortunately for them the visitors defence was well marshalled and when Chris Lawton broke from deep in his own 22 offloaded to King who the had Holmes in support who in turn made good ground and provided a try scoring pass to Josh Foot who sprinted in and under the posts to score the games best try, 2 conversions gave Dorchester a comfortable 51-0 victory.
After the game Attack Coach Tony Foot felt that all the players did their bit and not one boy had a bad game.
Team; Vivian, Rubrecht, Harries, Madgwick, Ford, Lawton, Bickley, Trenchard, White, Dale, Clarke, Fry, Smith, King, Foot, Batt, Holmes, Budden, Holland.
Dorchester 5 v 14 North Dorset
A disappointing result, and a disappointing display for the home side. Despite starting the better of the two sides Dorchester seemed to slip into a collective slumber from which they were unable to wake themselves, and despite several good individual performances they just could not play their way into the game. Dorchesters only score of the game came when the back line combined well and with quick passing Will Holmes got the important touch down, which was not converted. Continuing to apply the pressure the home side should have extended their lead when Callum King collected a chip over the North Dorset defence and uncharacteristically knocked on as he crossed the line.
The visitors started to get back in the game and spent the remainder of the first half camped in Dorchesters half, in fairness Dorchester defended well but a series of silly penalties finally took their toll and the visitors got a deserved converted score. Minutes later they extended their lead with another forward dominated try again they converted to lead 14-5 at the interval.
Despite a stern interval talk by Pete James, Dorchester started the second period much the same way as they finished the first, on the back foot. Again numerous penalties given away affected the home sides rhythm and with very little ball coming their way, Dorchesters much vaunted backs were left to defend. As the second half drew on the play was evenly balanced with neither side willing to give way and North Dorset ran out worthy winners by virtue of a better first half performance.
After the game Lineout Specialist Ian Madgwick was left to rue a lacklustre performance, and he could only concede that this was a game lost, however with Dorchester facing the same opposition in the County Cup there is vast room for improvement.
Team: David, Foot, Ford, Fry, Harries, Holland, Holmes, Jessup, King, Lawton, Madgwick, Makepeace, Rubrecht, Skelland, Smith, Vivian, White.
Chichester emerged from the morning fog much the hungrier in the early exchanges, piling pressure on the new look Dorchester back line which included 2nd row Sam Pollard on the wing and back row Connor Skelland in the centre. From this pressure Chichester scored the first try with opposing coach Ben Bulpet’s son Luke at No 8 picking and driving from the back of a five metre scrum. The second try followed soon after with Chichester securing good third phase ball and moving the ball wide to the outside centre who scored unopposed.
12-0 down so quickly and the home towns coaches in their coordinated BaBa’s tops were fearing the worst, but Charlie Harries acting as captain today rallied the troops and Dorchester began to disrupt the Chichester forwards. Max Ford and Henry Dale started to secure good lineout ball, with JJ and Steve Trenchard winning valuable ball in the loose. The front five won good scrummage ball and this enabled Josh Foot who was playing an authoritative game at 10 to give Kieran Fry the first of several strong runs from the centre.
The sun was now out and “Rulsey”forwards coach and newly converted referee now learning the trade( who was sent off yesterday!!) was beginning to turn the same colour red as his shirt keeping up with the game, as Dorchester began to put together more consistent phases of play. Jacob Holland now positioning himself well at full back began to return the ball with interest with some good kicking and strong running supported by Sam and Connor who were revelling in the close quarter play and wondering what all the fuss was about back play!
12-0 down at half time and the replacements of Ben Vallence and Karl Makepeace immediately made their mark with strong running and support. Chichester attacked well but were unable to break the determined defence.
Dorchester then scored following a blind side move from the scrum , with Sam P setting up the ball well for Ben Jessup to feed the ball back to the open side for Josh Foot to weave his way over from 10m. Kieran converting straight through the posts from out wide. Both sides looked for the knock out blow but fierce tackling prevented any further scores and Chichester ran out 12-7 winners.
This was a good display from all the players who took the chance to shine whilst others were at county training or having joined the long list of injuries whilst playing for school.
Thanks to the injured supporting on the side lines, Luke, Will, Kane and Ali. Also to Chichester for bringing a squad suited to the fixture and providing good entertainment in the bar afterwards, was it left handed drinking with the right foot raised? We look forward to the return fixture next year with the Director of Rugby wearing his new skinny fit Chichester sweater.
TEAM; C Harries(Capt),B Rubercht, K Makepeace ,B Clarke,B Vallence, H Dale, M Ford, F Madgwick, JJ, S Trenchard, B Jessup, J Foot, K Fry, C Skelland, S Pollard, J Peel, J Holland.
Top
Dorchester 54 v 0 Lytchett Minster
A thoroughly convincing and competent display saw Dorchester score 10 unanswered tries, against a spirited Lytchett side who struggled to contain the fast flowing game that the Dorchester coaching team have long been searching for.
In wet conditions both sides struggled and numerous knock ons interrupted the flow of the game, however the home side settled the quickest and imposed themselves, never allowing Lytchett to settle and causing them to make forced errors, from the resulting set pieces Dorchester used the pace and strength of their backs to cause havoc. Callum King broke down the left wing shrugged off low tackles and crashed over.
Minutes later Will Holmes used all his pace to race clear and extend the lead with King adding the conversion. With the weather improving Dorchester started to make the game safe. The next try, probably the best of the game, came from a line out on one side of the pitch and ended with Kieran Fry touching down in the opposite corner, with the ball going through 9 pairs of hands. The final score of the half came from Chris Lawton to give the home side a 22- 0 lead.
If Lytchett expected any let off they were mistaken. Callum King chased down Harry Smiths restart the ball bounced kindly and Dorchester were 27 – 0 up and Lytchett hadn’t touched the ball in the second half.
As the game went on Dorchester’s superior fitness began to tell and they continued to rack up the points. King crossed a further two times, Smith wriggled over, Holmes added his second before replacement prop Hugh Vivian kept up his try a game record. Smith added one second half conversion.
This wasn’t just about the try scorers though they were the lucky beneficiaries of the effort of the other players. Ben Jessup had a controlled game at scrum half, JJ had his best game in the green and white of Dorchester, Ripper returning after a long lay off played at hooker and took 2 against the head, all this expertly led by Freddie Madgwick who rallied his troops expertly.
After the game Director of Rugby Peter “Indiana” James was grinning from ear to ear about the display his players had just put in.
Team: Batt, Bickley, Clarke, Dale, David, Fry, Holland, Holmes, Jessup, King, Lawton, Madgwick, Makepeace, Peacefull- Day, Peel, Rubrecht, Smith, Vivian, White.
For a first game of the season in heat normally associated with the Caribbean, Dorchester couldn’t have faced any stiffer competition. Against a side who they have never faced the trip to Salisbury was one into the unknown.
With only 18 boys selected it was going to be a matter of everyone working hard and in some cases possibly playing out of position. With the start delayed because of no referee turning up, it was left to Dorchesters very own version of Spreaders to take control at short notice, and despite plenty of advice from the touchline he managed to keep the game flowing although struggling at time with the ELVs!
The visitors were brave and took the game to their hosts, with the pack led well by new signing Hugh Vivian they mauled efficiently and had the upper hand in the scrum at times shunting Salisbury back several meters. After a sustained period of pressure Dorchester took the lead when Callum King crashed over. Salisbury fought back but couldn’t get on the score sheet, and when Kieran Fry sprinted 60 metres to go in under the posts it looked as if the game was getting away from the home side. However they were determined and hit back with 2 well taken tries both of which were converted to lead 14-12 at the break.
The second period saw Dorchester fight back and Callum King got his second when Harry Smith delayed the pass allowing King to slice through he defence, Smith added his second conversion of the match. With both sides tiring in the heat Salisbury regained the lead with another converted score, and it looked as though Dorchester were going to let the game slip away, however the forwards had other ideas and following a searing break down the wing by prop Hugh Vivian with lock Max Ford in support it was Vivian who got the touchdown to put the gloss on a very impressive debut. Minutes lasted Chris Lawton weaved his way through a tiring defence to put the game out of reach with the final play
After the game Director of Rugby Pete James was full of praise for his players who he felt had put in a huge performance in the conditions, he also paid tribute to Salisbury who made the game so competitive
Team: Batt, Foot, Ford, Fry, Harries, Holland, Holmes, James, Jessup, King, Lawton, Madgwick, Rubrecht, Skelland, Smith, Trenchard, Vivian, White