|
This was an all action full blooded league match between two teams intent on playing attacking rugby from the start. In the end a draw was probably a fair result.
Dorchester started the stronger and were applying the pressure until a careless penalty allowed the visitors to push the ball down into Dorchester territory. A concerted attack from North Dorset culminated in their centre scoring between the posts. The conversion was a formality.
Dorchester were struggling in the lineout but elsewhere were matching their opponents blow for blow. Then, out of nowhere, the visitors stole the ball from the back of a Dorchester scrum and former Dorchester star Rich Miller went over for the second try.
The setback spurred the hosts on and soon centre Lee Harvey sliced through the North Dorset midfield and glided round the fullback to open Dorchester’s account. Adam Jones added the extras and the gap was down to just five points. North Dorset, with the wind in their favour needed to score again but despite their best efforts Dorchester held them at bay until half time.
The second half continued at the same breakneck pace. By now Dorchester had sorted out their lineout and pressed for an equalising score. This duly arrived with a rare try from flanker Callum Hawkins driving through the fullback in the left hand corner.
The momentum was now with the hosts but the visitors flanker intercepted a stray pass and just made it to the try line before the cover caught him. Dorchester continued to play with confidence and belief until, with time running out, fullback Matt Read finished off a sweeping move with the final try of the day. Adam Jones’ conversion attempt shaved the left hand post and honours were even.
Acheson Construction Man of the Match: - Lee Harvey
Hodgson, Chalker, Bamlet, Broadbent (Warren 60), Makepeace, Hawkins, Miller, Dixon (J Gower 75); D Gower, Rossiter; T Gower, Jones, Harvey, Morgan; Read; | 
