During the away leg a Wimborne player had had to leave the field due to a neck injury. It turns out that he had an undiagnosed bone condition which meant his neck was particularly vulnerable, and he should not play rugby any more. All the Dorchester Gladiators wish him well.
Team Manager Allan Bickley arrived (late) at the club feeling confident with a substantial bench, only to find that a number of late drop-outs meant we had 13 players. Captain Roly Harries reluctantly ignored his bad shoulder to make it 14. Wimborne had won the previous meeting comfortably due to forward power, and with a front row including “has been a prop and doesn’t want to be any more” Iain Adshead, and “never was a prop and doesn’t really want to be” Allan, together with Rob “this is my seventh (ish) game ever” Thomas as blindside flanker, the omens were not good.
However, at the first scrum (to Wimborne) the ball bounced forwards off the Wimborne front row’s feet, and was gratefully seized and passed out, with a try for newcomer Nathan Jennings.
Wimborne replied promptly with a converted try, then Dorchester gained a converted try. All through the first half the scoreline swung first one way then the other, with the Gladiators going into the break leading 29-25. Dorchester’s problems in the scrum were balanced by good play in the backs, and also sterling work by the forwards to turn over Wimborne ball. Richard Elliott, who had come along to watch his current club (Dorchester) play his old club was pressed into service part way through the half, bringing the sides to equal numbers.
Dorchester started the second half downhill, with the encouraging words of captain Roly and pack leader Ed - “our fitness will show” - ringing in their ears. Surprisingly this is what happened, Dorchester never having to kick off again (although to be fair Wimborne were held up once and there were also a couple of 22 metre drop-outs, so it wasn’t all one way). Whenever Dorchester’s backs got the ball they made ground, scythed through attempted tackles, and generally scored a lot of tries (including two for Richard Elliott).
Special mention should go to second row Lee King, in his first game after surgery, who had been hoping for 20 minutes from the bench and was alarmed to find himself having to play a full 80. He threw himself into the fray enthusiastically, and several turnovers of Wimborne ball were down to him.
About half way through the second half a Wimborne player had to go off with a neck injury, so they had to finish the game with 14 players. Everyone wishes him well. Alfie also sustained a neck injury, thankfully not enough to prevent him playing, but enough for the captains to agree to uncontested scrums.
Both teams owed a debt of gratitude to Portland Young Offenders Institute. Without their players Dorchester would have had to concede the match, which would have been an anticlimax to the week. As a bonus, every Young Offender scored at least one try.
Next week Dorchester RFC entertains a touring side (Is, IIs and IIIs combined), and the Gladiators entertain Verwood the following.
Saturday.
