Sponsored by Old Gladiators
Dorchester earned their first points of the season with a hard fought victory over Devizes. The hosts welcomed back a number of key players and for the first time this season fielded an almost a full strength side.
The first half was a turgid affair, littered with basic errors mainly caused by both teams trying to win the game without ever looking beyond one or two phases of controlled rugby. Dorchesters scrum was working effectively but their lineout was too often overcomplicated either leading to basic errors or scrappy ball for the half backs.
In the 12th minute things looked ominous for the hosts as the Devizes full back kicked an innocuous looking ball downfield only for Dorchesters back three to let the ball bounce, causing mass confusion in defence. Devizes gathered the loose ball to spread it wide were their winger touched down in the corner.
For the rest of the half Dorchester began to exert some territorial control through the boot of fly half John Firkin, without ever really threatening the Devizes line.
Strong words from Chris Burton at half time and a return to basics at the start of the second half ensured that Dorchester quickly narrowed the gap to two points from a John Firkin penalty, after a couple of good drives from the Dorchester pack.
Dorchester's lineout was now starting to work really well with Rob Hodges securing good clean ball for scrum half Dave Gower who controlled the game splendidly throughout the second period. Although Dorchester defended well, compared to the previous two weeks, the game was now being played exclusively in the visitors half and it was their discipline that started to crack as Dorchester's pack started to gain the upper hand.
After fifteen minutes, the hosts were awarded a scrum ten meters out. After a strong drive the ball was fed out to the blind side were captain Rich Bament crashed through their defence to score.
Frequent stoppages for injury meant the rest of the game became very fragmented, however Dorchester showed great composure and determination to win and hold out a spirited Devizes side.
This was a must win match for Dorchester after losses is the first two games. They showed signs in the second half that team confidence is on the rise but they must start to put this into good effect for their next two crucial games.
Next week Dorchester travel to Oldfield Old Boys.
