Following last weekend’s victories for the 1st XV and U17s over Oakmedians, the ‘A’ XV were under pressure to complete the hat-trick on Saturday. The 44-7 victory was well deserved and some excellent performances from new and old put Dorchester on top of the table after week one.
Dorchester dominated the opening exchanges and soon found themselves a try to the good as Grassby crossed after some quick rucking and good hands in the midfield. One successful penalty from two attempts soon after stretched the lead as Dorchester looked to build a score following territorial advantage. More quick breaks and good support led to Lee Harvey bursting through the defensive line to score under the posts. Other tries were scored by Paul Broadbent who took a quick penalty and trundled over from 10 metres and Martin Harvey was the only person to react to a poor 22 drop out, which failed to clear the line, bounced straight into his hands and he strolled under the posts from the left touchline.
Before the half was over, Oakmedians won a penalty inside the Dorchester 22 and whilst Dorchester argued with the ref and the opposition, Darren, the Oaks skipper took a quick tap and forced his way over the line. A classy kick from their tight head prop added the extras from the touchline, but Oakmedians would not score again.
The half time team talk was dominated by the wish to be less frantic to play more controlled rugby. Changes were made to the pack and back line and Underhill was particularly effective in defence, except for a wild high tackle on the impressive fly half, who was chasing his own kick. Surely a sin bin offence...Perhaps with Underhill (who amazingly pleaded his innocence) towering over the young man with the whistle, the decision to give a penalty where the ball landed in the Dorchester 22 was deemed to be the safest decision.
Oakmedians came back into the game and at times controlled territory and possession but they couldn’t make it count on the score board as good tackling, including some double-up hits by Harvey and Waddington in midfield, stopped them in their tracks. The Dorchester scrum was assured with Woody leading the way up front and John Bowden controlled the half back area particularly well. The opposition also complained that Broadbent’s garish scrum cap was blinding them at line out time, meaning they couldn’t jump and compete against the slick set piece.
Further tries for Grassby and Clark plus a very dubious score, eventually attributed to Cottell, sealed the win. In the last 5 minutes every man on the pitch asked the referee how long was left and pleaded for him to end it ASAP as the first outing of the new season took its toll. A decent game, which was played in a good spirit led to a promising start for Dorchester.
Thank you to all the supporters who turned out to see us, especially our number one fan Tony O’Connell. Please come again.
A special mention is needed for our 3 debutants. Dave Cheeseman gave it his all in the first half and Martin Venton came on and looked assured for the last half hour. Sam Scott played particularly well all game. He was unlucky not to score and his pace should cause problems for opposing teams all season.
Man of the Match – Simon Pengelly – Excellent all round performance following a move from hooker to flanker.
Final Score – 44-7 (Tries: Grassby (2), L. Harvey, M. Harvey, Broadbent, Cottell, Clark; Conversions: Clark (3); Pens: Clark)
Team: Duncan (c), Woodbridge (v), Cottell; Cheeseman (Underhill -40), Broadbent (Skidmore-50); Pengelly, Evans, M. Harvey; Bowden, Grassby; L. Harvey, Waddington (Venton-55); Charlier, Scott, Clark; No.1 Fan – Tony O’Connell
