Once again Dorchester contrived to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. For the umpteenth time this season Dorchester went into the final few minutes leading the game only to concede a late score and with it the game.
Playing into the wind in the first half the home side had a dream start. Spensley made ground up the left wing and when tackled the ball was quickly recycled, Matt Read chipped behind a sleepy Corsham defence and Jack Elliott won the race to the touchdown. John Firkin added the conversion and for once Dorchester had an early lead.
Slowly the Corsham forwards came to life and, through a well organised driving maul, began to exert pressure on the Dorchester defence. Injuries to Rob Hodges and Mike Sprules did Dorchester no favours and eventually Corsham mauled their way to two tries, one of which was converted and went into the break leading by five points.
The second period was a tense, nervous affair. Dorchester used the wind to gain field position, Corsham used their forwards to force their way upfield against the elements. Twenty minutes in a slick three quarter move put James Spensley through the midfield and under the posts for what should have been the winning score. Firkin again converting.
However, just like last week, Dorchester got sucked into a forward battle and despite defending their line heroically they eventually conceded a needless penalty. The Corsham flyhalf who had not been having a great day with the boot made no mistake with the kick and, short of a miracle, Dorchester may well be playing in a lower league next season.
Team:- Hodgson, Chalker, Borries (Kershaw R 75), Hodges (Brown 30), King, Prior, Newsam, Polley; Gower D, Sprules (Weller 30); Spensley, Read, Firkin, Elliott; Bament;
