Although Chard turned up with only 12 players, the home side lent 3 players so the game could go ahead. The first quarter was very close and Chard had an early opportunity with a penalty after an infringement at a ruck. After this the home side started to impose themselves and with Will Batt growing in confidence at scrum half Dorchester used their backline to great effect and Jake Ralston opened the scoring with a great run down the left wing which Harry Smith converted.
Josh Younger was next on the score board when he crashed over. Still Dorchester attacked and though Chard gained some turnover ball they inevitably had to kick it away and from one of these phases full back Zach Paton ran it back and in under the posts again Smith converted. Just before half time 2nd row Sam Kershaw had to leave the pitch with a hand injury. Half time 19-0.
The 2nd half belonged exclusively to the home side as they eased into a very attractive style of rugby. Charlie Lake at hooker took 2 against the head which put further pressure on Chard. Ralston crossed for his second before leaving the pitch with a dislocated shoulder. Josh Hosford was next up with a strong run to go under the posts.
Try as they did Chard could not get back into the game and Dorchester were lining up to score. Josh Perry sprinted 60 metres to score, before Smith sold a dummy to score. Hosford got his second before John Bowden joined the line to go over behind the posts. Smith added 4 conversions to wrap up the scoring.
This was a great confidence builder ahead of a tough league campaign, and with players becoming more available the coaching team have some selection head aches ahead!
