Dorchester Colts 41 v 19 Oakmedians Colts
A second half performance by Dorchester left their coaches purring with delight after scoring 36 unanswered points. However it wasn’t all one way traffic. Facing a reorganised and revitalised Oaks side, Dorchester spent the first 20 minutes or so defending deep in their own half, as the visitors mounted a series of attacks and the outcome of the match seemed to be heading the way of the visitors after they stormed into a swift 12-0 lead, using well drill forward pick and drives, the home side didn’t do themselves any favours giving away a series of silly penalties.
Their confidence started to return and they managed to play some sensible rugby in the opposition half, a period of patient phase play saw 2nd row Max Ford crash over for an unconverted try. Although Oaks hit back with a converted try just before the break the home side appeared to realise that they were in a game and if they were going to progress in the cup they needed to improve.
Playing with the wind in the 2nd period Dorchester played with a sense of purpose and structure and with the forwards providing a good platform secured good ball the backs were finally able to come into the game and with Will Holmes running some excellent lines the gain line was continually broken. The first score of the half came from a trade mark flop from Hugh Vivian, not long after Holmes broke through, both tries unconverted.
James Bickley then went over in the corner to put the home side in the lead for the first time, although again the kick went wide. At this point the home sides superior fitness began to tell. The pack then put the squeeze on and Lewis White playing his first game for 10 months struck 3 times to take against the head. The Oaks pack although physically bigger had no answer to the technique of the home 8.
Dorchester were now playing good rugby and tries for Luke Doherty (2) and Will Batt (his 1st for the club) saw the game finally out of reach. The 2nd half scoring was completed with 3 tries from Harry Smith. This was a performance each of the 21 players can be proud of. As always there are aspects that need working on, but this performance puts the whole squad in a strong place.
