Dorchester lost this crucial Southern Counties one home fixture to a dogged Barbarians side who at the end deserved to hang on and take the much needed points.  Dorchester started the game in a positive frame, something they have failed to do in previous weeks. Although the bigger Ivel pack were superior at the set piece, most notably in the scrums, the home side countered this by being well organised defensively and fought aggressively at the breakdown, that resulted in a number of key turnovers.

Both sides were prepared to run the ball, despite the weather conditions, but it was through the defensive organisation of both teams that won the day and prevented a number of opportunities being converted into points.

Dorchester's first foray into their opponents twenty two resulted in a well taken drop goal by fly half John Fikin to take the first points of the game. To their credit Ivel replied almost immediately with a drop goal of their own to level the game. The rest of the half was a scrappy affair with both teams failing to keep the ball in contact, resulting in numerous turnovers.

Strong words were spoken at half time for Dorchester felt the game was there for the taking, if the team could raise their energy levels and put in a strong forty minutes. This seemed to fall on deaf ears, for at the restart Dorchester produced some sloppy play in which they allowed Ivel to drive just short of the ten meter line. From here the visitors set up a maul in which the finally broke through Dorchester's defense to score under the posts. Ivel's fly half converted to make the score 10-3.

The home side responded with some of the urgency that was lacking in the first half and made a number of clean breaks that they failed to covert mainly due to the visitors resolute defense. In the last ten minutes of the game several Dorchester drives were stopped just short of the line, but in the end Ivel hung on for a well deserved win. Chris Burton's men must now dig in and work hard if they are to stay in this league. They still have time to turn their season around, but the players need to display some character and determination to make this happen. 

Next week Dorchester travel to table topping Frome.    

Weatherbury Hearn- SEC - JW Scaffolding Man of the Match - Dave Gower 

Please visit Richard Budds website for more pictures from the game. His website : Pictures website