A good end to the season for the Gladiators, starting as they began by beating North Dorset. Both sides’ defences had improved from the try-fest which was their first encounter, but the small but dedicated crowd was still treated to some fine rugby.
Stand-in captain Allan won the toss and elected to play up the hill, in the hope that the second half would more than make up for the slight disadvantage in the first half. Which proved to be justified. It was also good to start with two proper props for a change, although Steve Holland had to go off and perform Club Chairman’s duties in the firsts’ game – too long a story to go into – resulting in Iain Adshead getting a go at loosehead.
The game started fairly evenly, with neither side converting pressure into points for some time. Eventually a North Dorset kick ahead was heading for the posts, and the visiting chaser was tackled off the ball, resulting in a penalty try, duly converted. Some concentrated North Dorset pressure out wide led to one of their forwards crashing over for their second.
At about this point the hosts’ stand-in scrum half got broken hope the foot gets better soon Russ), being replaced by the regular one who had been taking a breather after playing for the colts just beforehand. Immediately fly half Morgan started receiving the ball – Russ, being a centre really, had tended to run with it. He was then able to release Dorchester’s sharp back line, which again and again drove the ball up to the North Dorset try line, but the elusive try never came. North Dorset tried to counter with a kicking game, making a lot of ground, but for the crucial final bit the chasers were always beaten either by the defenders or the touchlines.
Despite being 12-0 down at the break Dorchester were heartened by the fact they seemed to be getting on top of the game. A number of changes brought on fresh legs in both the backs and forwards, and in the second half the tables were very much turned. The hosts’ backs and forwards combined to run in try after try (two for prop Alex Duncan), and although North Dorset did manage one more of their own, the Gladiators were significantly dominant.
With about 10 minutes to go Alfie was struggling at loosehead prop and it appeared that the game might be finished with uncontested scrums, however Lee King stepped forward from the second row (6’5” and 23 stone (ish) – the opposing prop must have had kittens) and play continued.
The league has now finished and the Gladiators have finished creditably just below mid-table, despite having had to concede 4 games (more than any other team in the league) due to not being able to raise a side, and being penalised accordingly. They started with 4 wins on the trot and were getting quite excited until being brought to earth by Oakmeadians, who have gone on to top of the league. However, there was only one team we did not beat at least once, Wincanton (also at the top of the league). Well done to all the players and thanks to our loyal supporters.
The club is always keen to hear from new players, whether moving to the area or just starting. Anyone interested is very welcome to contact the club via the website
www.dorchester-rfc.co.uk. or emailing - click here
