For seventy minutes it looked as though Dorchester were going to rain on North Dorset's promotion parade but in the end the visitors had just enough extra pace out wide to snatch victory and become worthy champions.
The opening exchanges were inconclusive, with most of the play around the centre of the pitch. The match progressed into the second quarter and the visitor's discipline was found wanting as Dorchester refused to allow North Dorset to dictate the play and James Baker kicked two out of three penalty attempts. Right at the close of the first half North Dorset finally got into the home twenty two and from an attacking line out attempted to drive over. Dorchester halted the drive but when the ball went to the backs the left winger had the pace to get over in the corner. The conversion was missed and the break came with Dorchester holding the narrowest of leads.
The second half continued in much the same manner. North Dorset trying to play an expansive game, Dorchester tackling everything that moved. As tension mounted several scuffles broke out as the visitors became increasingly frustrated at their inability to break through Dorchester defence. Eventually, with just ten minutes remaining, the pressure finally told and Dorchester ran out of defenders allowing the right winger to cross half way out. Minutes later another well executed threequarter move made the game, and promotion, safe for the visitors with another try in the corner.
The game was lost but Dorchester went in search of the losing bonus point. A superb break from Toby Waddington took play to the shadow of the posts where North Dorset killed the ball and gave away the penalty. Baker's successful kick earned what could be a crucial point and keeps Dorchester in with a decent chance of the single play off position.
Acheson Construction man of the match: Lee Harvey
Team: Warren, Chalker, Cottell (Bamlet 60), C Mitchell, Skidmore (King 50), Miners, Newsam, Bonner (Vivian 60); D Gower, Bament; Baker, Waddington, Harvey, T Gower; Clark.
Picture from Idris Martin
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