The Dorchester Gladiators started brightly, with Matt Taylor scything through the opposition and scoring almost immediately. Unfortunately that was Dorchester’s last score for about 75 minutes, while Verwood had free rein.
With all regular props not available Dorchester had a rather makeshift front row, giving Verwood an advantage in the scrums. With about 10 minutes to go loosehead Allan Bickley had to ask to go uncontested due to not being able to stop his elbow getting bent backwards (ow!). Not that it made a lot of difference as all the ball dropping etc was being done by Dorchester; the Gladiators’ first scrum came at about 35 minutes after about 10 for Verwood
Tom Gower made a welcome return from injury, hoping for about 20 minutes but not only starting for the thirds, but then being called up after about 50 minutes to play for the seconds on the neighbouring pitch, where he scored their first try.
Most of Verwood’s scores were well-earned, but a couple were down to Dorchester mix-ups, Verwood pouncing on loose ball.
With about 15 minutes to go the referee of the neighbouring game pulled up with a hamstring, and our ref had to go and officiate for them. Fortunately the seconds’ visitors Salisbury had a qualified ref in their entourage who took over for the remainder of the game.
Towards the end Dorchester perked up, with the backs constantly stealing Verwood ball and driving it up the field, only to knock on, hence having to steal their ball again (which is quite difficult when the scrums are uncontested). Eventually Ed Taylor flopped over a ruck to add the final points of the game, and restore a bit of pride to the hosts.
Next week Dorchester RFC entertains North Dorset, the team we visited at the start of the season. Hopefully we’ll be a bit better organised (and have a better loosehead!).
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