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With a long list of unavailable players the final starting line up tested Head Coach Peter James power of creativity. In the end the side he selected has proved that this squad are very adaptable as they scored 10 tries. It took the home side 10 minutes to open their account as they found it hard to break down a resolute Lytchett defence, in the end slick hands saw Josh Foot score on his return from injury, this served to settle the home sides nerves and minutes later Max Ford crashed over. By thus time Dorchester were beginning to impose themselves and effective rucking allowed several phases of play to develop. Chris Lawton then showed what pace he has as he outpaced 4 defenders to go in under the posts before Kieran Fry repeated the move which together with 2 Callum King conversions gave Dorchester a healthy 24-0 lead.
From the restart at the beginning of the second half Dorchester caught the visitors napping when King ran in the first of his 3 second half tries. At this stage it was one way traffic and when Dingle gathered a cross field kick and run in from 25 metres to score his first ever try, his mother could hardly contain herself!! King added his second before Ben Lashmar capped a fine display in the 2nd row with his first score for Dorchester. As they say about London busses so it was for Dingle as he grabbed his second before King touched down twice, in between which Lytchett were rewarded for their perseverance when they got a well earned score. In the end Dorcheser were too strong for the visitors and this was fairly reflected in the final score.
After the game Forwards coach Ian Madgwick said he was impressed with how well his players had responded to having to play in unusual positions.
Team: Clarke, White, Doherty, Ford, Lashmar, Trenchard, Pollard, Jessup, King, Fry, Lawton, Foot, Brock, Madgwick, Makepeace, Vallance, Dale.
Dorchester used the squad system to good effect against Wimborne and their strength in depth showed through as they comprehensively dispatched a spirited opposition. Early exchanges were fairly even assisted by some odd decisions by the referee which hindered Dorchesters attempts to put some fluidity to their game. With a new look pack more than holding their own they were able to provide a platform from which the county town side could attack. Will Holmes got the first score when he joined the line at pace to out run the home defence and go in under the posts. Minutes later Frank Budden showed his strength beating three defenders to go over in the corner.
If Dorchester thought they would add to their score without reply they were mistaken when some missed tackles allowed Wimborne in for their only score of the game. The remainder of the half was disjointed due to forced errors by both sides. The final play of the half saw Harry Smith and Callum King combine well with a set move which saw the latter carve a huge gap to touch down. Smith added two first half conversions to give the visitors a 19- 5 lead at the break.
The second half continued much as the first, Ben Vallance at tight head gave his best performance of the season with some bullocking runs, at loose head Ben Clarke also had a solid game. Will Holmes got his second when slick hands saw him put away. At times Wimborne threatened to add to their score but Dorchester's defence was up to the task with both Alex Hallett and Will Batt putting in try saving tackles.
The game was finally put out of reach when Smith and King repeated their first half move for King to add his second try. Dorchester then made 6 replacements at once and this added to their resolve and refused to allow Wimborne the opportunity to play or settle. In the end the final score line was just reward for the county town boys all of whom should be proud of their efforts.
Team: Vallance, Ripper, Clarke, Madgwick, Vivian, Trenchard, Rubrecht, Skelland, Jessup, Smith, King, Budden, Hallett, Batt, Holmes, James, Lawton, Pollard, Bickley, Ford, Doherty.
A disappointing game for the county town side in many ways. Had they continued for the whole game like they played the first quarter then the outcome may well have been in their favour, however all credit to a well organised Sherborne outfit who recorded their first win against Dorchester for 2 seasons and in doing so booked a place in the County Cup final.
The early pattern of play was in Dorchesters favour but unusually there was no cutting edge to their back play and with being given no time on the ball Sherborne slowly got back in the game and putting phases of play together mounted pressure on the Dorchester line and were well rewarded when they touched down for an unconverted try, they added to this not long after with a penalty kick to lead 8 – 0 at the break.
If the travelling band of Dorchester supporters were hoping for a better 2nd half they were to be disappointed as the errors continued and Sherborne imposed themselves on the game. The only respite came when Callum King kicked on with only one man to beat and was cynically taken out by a Sherborne player who was sent to the bin and with a penalty try given Dorchester were back in the game.
However this was Dorchesters last effort at troubling the scoreboard and with one further Sherborne try again unconverted the game was then out of reach.After the game Lead Coach Peter James felt his boys did not to do themselves justice and they were beaten by a better side on the day.
Team: Doherty, White, Vivian, Lashmar, Ford, Bickley,Pollard, Lawton, James, Hiscock, Smith, Budden, Holmes, Fry, King, Trenchard, Madgwick, Batt, Skelland, Dale.
Dorchester 10 v 0 Swanage & Wareham
After 5 weeks of no rugby there was an air of uncertainty as this game started, but from the off Dorchester had their visitors on the back foot, with some incisive running from the backs who were controlled well by Max Hiscock in his best game since his summer transfer from Sherborne.
Although Swans were typically strong in their forward play they had precious little to worry their hosts outside the pack. A period of sustained pressure brought about a penalty in front of the posts for the home side who opted to run it (despite instructions from the coaches to kick) and they were rewarded for their decision with a well taken try by Kieran Fry in the corner which went unconverted. The rest of the half became disjointed as the referee was forced to lecture the visiting players over their indiscretions, and these stoppages undoubtedly affected Dorchesters rhythm, and they should consider themselves unfortunate not to be further ahead at the break.
The coaching staff used their large squad to make various changes for the second period but the result was the same, strong defence coupled with good hands saw Dorchester exert pressure on the Swans line and they got their reward when James Bickley touched down following a maul again this went unconverted. This should have signalled a period when Dorchester should have killed the game off but were unable to and Swans should be congratulated for holding firm.
The referee finally had enough of dissent from Swans and sent their fly half for 10 minutes in the bin. The visitors tried to find a way through but were unable to break a well organised defence, and the game had to be ended 3 minutes early as the coastguard helicopter had to land.
After the game Director of Rugby Pete James had mixed feelings about his sides performance and felt that a score of 20 -0 in their favour would have been fair reward.
Team: Batt, Bickley, Budden, Clarke, Dale, Doherty, Ford, Fry, Hallett, Hiscock, Holmes, James, Jessup, Lashmar, Lawton, Madgwick, Makepeace, Pollard, Rubrecht, Skelland, Smith, Vallance, Vivian, White
Dorchester cruised to the County Cup semi final with a comprehensive victory against a spirited Oaks side who really had no answer to the pace and commitment of their hosts. Having posted a large score against the same side in October, complacency could have been Dorchesters biggest threat, but when Kieran Fry ran in the first try with some strong running, the only unknown was the final score. The visitors had a big pack which Dorchesters tight five of Doherty, White, Vivian, Madgwick and Ford destroyed with some excellent scrummaging in the first half. There were periods when Dorchester seem to go to sleep, but when they decided to put the ball through the hands they invariably scored. Chris Lawton and Callum King both scored first half braces and Sam Pollard appeared from the bottom of a ruck having touched down. Two Smith conversions gave the home side a 34-0 half time lead.
The second half was pretty much one way traffic although at one point the home side conceded 4 penalties in a row in their own 22 and how Oaks didn’t score remains a mystery. Some cheap shots by two of the visitors pack failed to unsettle Dorchester who continued to play some attractive rugby yielding 3 more tries for King, another 2 for Lawton and a 45 metre sprint for Smith who went in under the posts. 4 conversions for Smith completed the scoring. Unusually Dorchester made 6 tactical replacements and all of them (Will Batt, Dingle, Ben Lashmar, Stephen Trenchard, Ben Rubrecht and Alex Hallett)made good impressions in the final quarter to prove to the selectors that there is real competition for places.After the game Director of Rugby Pete James felt his side worthy winners but some aspects of their game need working on.
Team: Batt, Bickley, Budden, Dale, Doherty, Ford, Fry, Hiscock, Holmes, James, King, Lashmar, Lawton , Madgwick, Pollard, Rubrecht, Smith, Trenchard, Vivian, White
North Dorset 10 v 7 Dorchester
North Dorset scored their first try out wide after numerous missed tackles in the phases leading up to the try. The home team pressed for a second but at last Dorchester woke up and defended the line well to prevent any further scores before half time.
Despite playing into the wind Dorchester started to play with more passion which was required to prevent a good and committed North Dorset side scoring again. However further penalties (and some odd refereeing decisions ,or rather lack of decisions!) never enabled Dorchester to find any rhythm and the home side scored again out wide when the defence should have easily covered the attack.
A few changes were now required and Max H came on to the wing and Kieran F moved into the back row, both boys doing well in these unfamiliar positions.
Dorchester finally got on the score sheet from a five metre scrum after Hugh V had been held up over the line, strangely a SIMPLE move with short passing, quick ruck ball and good finish from Frank B. Harry S converted to make the score 10-7, but with only 3 minutes of play left Dorchester had left it too late and North Dorset were worthy winners.
All the scrum played well and hard but need to learn not to keep giving away stupid penalties. The backs, who have previously got us out of jail on too many times to mention, just had a bad day at the office and must learn that against better opposition to keep it simple (did I use that word again!) and defend together.
Thank you to our hosts North Dorset who were cheerful despite the tragic loss of their 1st XV Captain Max Biles during the week. The minutes silence held as a mark of respect before the game brought out the sun and hopefully a change of fortune for the club.
Team; Hugh V, Lewis W, Luke D, Max F, Ben L, James B, Henry D, Chris L, Ali J, Harry S, Callum K, Frank B, Kieran F, Will B, Will H, Max H, Freddie M.
One of the great attractions of rugby has always been the respect shown to referees by players coaches and spectators alike, however in recent years this unique feature has been eroded and unfortunately today there were times when those that should know better didn’t and in doing so set a poor example. That however should not detract from what was an entertaining match between two fairly even sides with the only difference being that the home side uncharacteristically missed far too many tackles allowing two very soft scores, Salisbury were at the end of the game worthy winners.
Both sides started brightly and the breakdown area was keenly contested, in recent weeks Dorchesters rucking has improved and was in evidence again today. The visitors playing up the slope and into the wind, launched a series of attacks and were rewarded with a well taken try which went unconverted. With the home side struggling with any meaningful possession, it looked as though Salisbury wouldn’t be long in adding to their tally when against the run of play Dorchester attacked from a scrum and with Will Holmes joining the line at pace out paced the defence to go in under the posts which was converted with the last kick of the half.
From a Dorchester point of view the least said about the second half the better with only Josh Foot looking as though he might score only to be hauled down short of the line. Although the forward play was respectable it was behind the front eight where their problems lay and 3 further scores by Salisbury one of which was converted put the game beyond Dorchester.
After the game Lead Coach Peter James was a disappointed man.
Team: Batt, Bickley, Budden, Clarke, Dale, David, Foot, Ford, Fry, Hiscox, Holmes, James, Jessup, Lashmar, Lawton, Madgwick, Makepeace, Pollard, Rubrecht, Skelland, Smith, Trenchard, Vivian, White.
Yes you have read the final score correctly!! Victories over Bournemouth have been few and far between over the years and today was very much Dorchesters’ day. As expected (and prepared well by the Dorchester coaches) the home side started strongly up front with a succession of pick and drives mixed in with some well executed mauling and Dorchester hardly touched the ball in the first 10 minutes. However the pack led by the always impressive Hugh Vivian defended well and slowly got the upper hand at times driving the hosts back and securing turnover ball. The first score came from a Harry Smith penalty after Bournemouth were caught offside.
The game then continued in a similar vein with a series of unforced errors by both sides. With both teams guilty of kicking the ball on the ground, both sets of coaches remarked they may be better off on an adjoining football pitch! That said Dorchester’s other first half score came when man of the moment Frank Budden hacked on a bouncing ball which the lively Kieran Fry chased down and touched down score 0-8. With the wind at their backs Dorchester should have made more of the advantage but seemed content with this slender lead at half time.
Dorchester knew they would be under the cosh in the second half but from the restart, they at last ran the ball back at Bournemouth and slick hands saw Callum King over in the corner. Back came Bournemouth using their big forwards to try and bash their way over but time and time again they were kept out. Sam Pollard at open side used his strength and skill to secure turnover ball on several occasions and was a constant threat. Some weak tackling by the home defence allowed Budden in for a generous try.
One further attack for the home side ended like all the others. And with a quickly taken penalty the visiting backs showed their skill allowing Fry in for his second. From the restart (last play of the game) the home coaches told their boys to kick the ball out, however Dorchester had other days when Chris Lawton caught the kick and started a counter attack which linked the forwards to the backs and King finished it off to cap a good performance as stand in skipper with a try under the posts which was converted.
After the game Team Manager Andrew Smith praised all the players in green and white for a tremendous performance but singled out scrum half Will Batt who visibly grew in confidence throughout the game.
Team: Doherty, White, Vivian, Madgwick, Ford, Pollard, Skelland, Lawton, Batt, Smith, King, Budden, Hallett, Fry, Bickley, Trenchard, Lashmar, Dale.
With both sides losing players to County development squads it was a chance for the emerging players from both sides to show what they are made of. The first 15 minutes were an evenly matched affair with both teams defending well , although Wimborne shaded the territory statistics, and it looked as though the final score would be very close, unfortunately for the home side Wimborne stepped up a gear towards the end of the first period and scored 3 tries in 10 minutes to give the score line a rather flattering look at the break.
A few tactical changes by Dorchester certainly gave them some impetus but all too often a home player was caught in possession with no support resulting in turnover ball. Wimbornes scrum started to creak with Ben Vallance at tight head giving his opposite number a torrid time. Hugh Vivian who seemed to cover all positions in the front eight had a monumental game and always threatened to make the breakthrough which the home side craved for. Unfortunately it was not to be as Wimborne managed a final score against the run of play to kill off any hope the county town side had of salvaging a result.
After the game the Dorchester coaching team were rueful in their comments and left quickly to plan next weeks game away at Bournemouth
Team: Vallance, Trenchard, Clarke, Ford, Lashmar, Doherty, Vivian, Pollard, Jessup, Hiscock, Budden, Hallett, Foot, Bickley, White, Madgwick, Skelland, James
This was the display that Dorchester U 15s have been threatening for some time. A game in which the back line finally delivered and contributed 9 of the 12 tries scored. This wouldn’t have been possible if the forwards had not provided the platform. Time and time again Oaks were swarmed as the county town boys rucked efficiently allowing Ali James to feed the ball to his backs. The first try came after 2 minutes when quick thinking by Harry Smith saw him under the posts. Within 3 minutes Chris Lawton burst through to go over. Smith added his second almost immediately and with the scoreline at 19-0 after 12 minutes the visitors faced a long hard morning. The first half continued in much the same vein, and although Oaks competed well they had neither the organisation nor the ability to counter the ruthlessness of the Dorchester side.
Callum King at inside centre played with confidence and composure throughout, constantly threatening in defence and bringing players into the game around him. This allowed Frank Budden to flourish outside him and he weighed in with 2 first half tries. It was difficult not to have sympathy for Oaks who tried to battle their way into the game but were constantly up against a green and white wall, none more so when they had their best scoring opportunity only to see Number 8 Lawton sprint from his own 5 metre line and go in under the posts at the other end. The other score of the first half came when a series of pick and drives initiated by Hugh Vivian saw Luke Doherty get the all important score.
It is always difficult to know what to say to a side 47 points up at half time but the Dorchester coaching staff urged their players not to take their foot off the gas, unfortunately the first 10minutes of the second half were very sloppy as Dorchester made too many forced errors, and although no scores were conceded they would have no complaint if they had. With a bit more patience coming back Dorchester started to build the pressure and Will Holmes extended the lead, thereafter (other than a few incursions into Dorchesters half) the traffic was all one way, at times though the home side were guilty of white line fever when all that was needed was a simple off load.
Further second half tries for Frank Budden, Will Holmes and Callum King (2) killed the game off. It was the second of Kings tries which was the best of the game as the ball was passed along the backs and back again creating the space for King to go wide before cutting back inside and under the posts. The try scoring feats were more than matched by a competent kicking display by Harry Smith who converted 11 from 12 attempts.
After the game Forwards Coach Ian Madgwick had nothing but praise for all his players, and made special mention for winger Ben Wylie making a return after 4 seasons, Ben had a competent game on the wing.
Team: Doherty, Makepeace, White, Madgwick, Vivian, Bickley, Dale, Lawton, James, Smith, King, Budden, Hallett, Wylie, Holmes, Lashmar, Ford, Skelland.
Swanage & Wareham 19 v 32 Dorchester
A deserved victory by Dorchester but one which they made much harder work than it needed to be. Up against a well drilled set of Swans forwards the county town boys should have had this game wrapped up by half time, however they allowed themselves to be sucked into a game of attrition instead of imposing their own brand of free flowing rugby which the Dorchester coaches have long strived for. Tries for Callum King and Kieran Fry within the first 5 minutes had Swans reeling, and with Kings second mid way through the first half it appeared that the only thing in doubt was the size of the victory.
In fairness the hosts had other ideas and played very much to their strength which was picking and going from the fringes of rucks, a tactic which yielded them 12 points in the final 10minutes of the half to leave the game finely poised.
The second half started brightly for the visitors when for once the bal through the hands saw Fry touch down for his second which King converted. At this point the game became very scrappy with no fluency to either sides game, a fact not helped by poor refereeing of the breakdown which led to emotions running over. Swans hit back with an identical try to their first to bring them within 3 points of Dorchester. With 5 minutes left Dorchester demonstrated that they have plenty of pace and power in their back line when both King and Fry completed their hat tricks (more beer!) to give the final scoreline some respectability.
This game saw a debut for summer signing from Sherborne, Max Hiscock who had a solid game at fly half, and a return for Connor Gould who had a massive game in the second row and finally a special mention to Will Batt who didn’t miss a tackle all game.
After the game a frustrated Director of Rugby Peter Jones (sorry I mean James!) said if I had any hair to pull out I would!
Team: Clarke, Rubrecht, Vallance, Gould, Ford, Skelland, Pollard, JJ, Jessup, Hiscock, Smith, King, Batt, Fry, Holmes, Doherty, Hallett, Madgwick, James, White.
The first competitive game of the season saw the county town side travel to Bridport. The late withdrawal of Chris Lawton opened the way for Sam Pollard to play a full game at Number 8. Having lost this corresponding fixture last season Dorchester were keen to set the record straight. The first 15 minutes or so were evenly balanced with neither side able to break the deadlock although it looked more likely that the home side would be first on the score sheet, however it wasn’t to be as Dorchester benefitted from a patient build up and Callum King went over.
Bridport hit back almost immediately when Rob Lester-Card slotted over a penalty to reduce the arrears for the home side. This was the closest Bridport came in the game. Dorchester built momentum, although struggling in the scrum the lineout was impressive with Dingle and Pollard both stealing opposition ball, in fact Dingle proved to be a nuisance all game disrupting Bridport at the breakdown. As the game went on Dorchester started to string together phases of play which had the home defence stretched, a counter attack from Dorchesters 22 saw King sprint almost the length of the pitch and go in under the posts, Harry Smith added the extras from the conversion. Bridport competed well up front but it was behind their impressive forwards that they struggled in comparison to the visitors who looked assured all morning with the ball in hand. King added his 3rd (beers on you Kinger!) just before half time with Smith adding his second conversion.
The second half saw Bridport start brightly pressurising Dorchester at the re start, however the defence were up to the task and showed great composure in repelling the pressure. Kieran Fry looked lively all morning and was well supported by Alex Hallett on the opposite wing. King added his fourth, before Frank Budden was the benefactor of a sweeping move from deep inside Dorchesters half when he touched down in the far corner, score 29-3. Bridport were determined to add to there score and spent nearly 10minutes camped on Dorchesters 5 metre line but came away with nothing, time and time again the visitors secured turnover ball and cleared their lines, and with no additional scores Dorchester ran out winners.
After the game Director of Rugby Peter James felt this was the best team performance this side have produced with every single player doing their bit to secure an impressive win
Team: White, Trenchard, Doherty, Vivian, Madgwick, Dale, Bickley, Pollard, James, Smith, King, Budden, Fry, Hallett, Holmes, Ford, Batt.