This was Dorchester’s first game since November 20th and so it was no surprise that the afternoon felt almost like the start of a new season.
 
Despite the long layoff the hosts were out of the traps immediately and within two minutes centre Lee Harvey had dived over for the opening try. Unfortunately he received a heavy blow in the act of scoring and could take no further part in the proceedings. Minutes later prop Dave Cottell, who was prominent throughout the first period, crossed under the posts for a rare try that was converted by Rich Bament. Hard as they tried Marlborough were unable to gain any usable possession and it was one way traffic for the rest of the half. Further tries from Carl Mitchell, Joe Gower and Hugh Pryce together with two more Rich Bament conversion meant that Dorchester led at the break by thirty one points.

The second half is best forgotten as Marlborough strived manfully but largely infectively and Dorchester drifted so far into their comfort zone that they could well have been sleepwalking for long periods. The home side only roused themselves on the rare occasions that their try line was threatened. No 8 Carl Mitchell did score a sixth try, finishing off a move started by Joe Gower’s excellent break though midfield, which Bament converted but there was little else worth reporting.

On the face of it a bonus point victory and a clean sheet is not too bad but Dorchester will need to show a lot more energy and passion if they are to get anything from next weeks trip to Trowbridge.

Acheson Construction man of the match: Chris Miners

Team:  Cottell (Bamlet 65), Miners, Prior (Chalker 65), Broadbent, Makepeace, J Gower, Newsam, Mitchell; D Gower, Hunt; Morgan, Bament, Harvey (Clifford 2), Pryce; Read;