It is fifteen years since these clubs last faced each other at first team level so nobody was quite sure how the match would unfold. As it happened Dorchester produced their best forty minutes of rugby this season and, despite a much improved second half performance from Weymouth, the game was effectively over at the interval.
In almost perfect conditions Weymouth kicked off this eagerly anticipated local derby and Dorchester made a hash of the catch, gifting Weymouth an early attacking position. It was to be as much as the hosts were to allow for the next forty minutes.
The pack dominated the forward exchanges and the backs looked pacey and dangerous. Rich Bament hit the post with a long range penalty attempt before opening the scoring with a much easier attempt. Good work by the forwards then allowed left wing James Baker to show what a dangerous finisher he can be as he sprinted clear down the left hand touchline and touched down under the posts.
The home side have been working hard on their scrummaging recently and that showed as, from another rock solid platform, Dave Gower and James Newsam combined for the later to score try number two. Dorchester then added a third try when right winger Jack Elliott managed to catch a pass on the very end of his fingertips and easily outpace his opposite number into the corner. Rich Bament converted all three tries and Dorchester were all but out of sight by the end of the half.
The second half was nowhere near as one-sided as the first, Weymouth clearly determined to show how good they could be and Dorchester inevitably relaxed a little. The visitors finally began to find a few holes around the fringes. One break by giant prop Comben had the Weymouth fans on their feet before Luke Weller, the smallest player on the pitch, hauled him down.
Eventually Dorchester’s line was crossed, the visiting forwards forcing their way over from close range. Dave Allen’s conversion was successful and when the same player crossed for a second try the gap was down to twelve points. Dorchester however, raised their game again and good field position allowed Bament to kick a second penalty meaning that Weymouth would need to score three times to win.
The visitors did not give up but with the last play of the game Rich Bament picked up a dropped pass and ran half the length of the pitch to score try number four. His successful conversion was the last action of the afternoon.
Dorchester have now opened up a three point gap at the top of the table but realise that there is very long way to go before the end of the season.
Weatherbury Hearn- SEC - JW Scaffolding Man of the Match: The Front Row of Hodgson, Chalker & Cottell
Team; Hodgson, Chalker, Cottell (Boyt 70), Hodges (Underhill 60), Broadbent, O’Connell, Newsam, Gower D; Weller, Rossiter; Baker, Biddle (Waddington 79), Harvey, Elliott; Bament.
