Dorchester’s players and supporters must still be wondering how on earth they managed to lose this game. Leading by a single point as the clocked ticked past 40 minutes, Dorchester heroically defended their try line but the eagle eyed referee spotted an infringement by the desperate defenders and the Sherborne fullback stepped up and nervelessly slotted the penalty to snatch the points.
Much of what had gone one for the previous eighty minutes was not of the highest standard but was full of tension and nerves with both sides desperate for the two points on offer. Dorchester drew first blood, John Firkin kicking a straightforward penalty after fifteen minutes.
Sherborne hit back quickly, second row Mike Burkes scoring from a lineout five metres out. A position gained when Dorchester recklessly opted to run a penalty from close to their own try line rather than kicking to touch.
The second half continued in the same fashion, neither side able to gain the upper hand and most of the play taking part in the middle of the pitch. Dorchester retook the lead when John Firkin kicked a second penalty goal halfway through the second period. Crucially the same player then missed another chance to extend the lead, his kick drifting wide.
All that was left was the final frantic few minutes as the home side threw everything into one last attempt to wrestle the lead back and the heartbreaking dénouement.
All is not yet lost, with games against Devizes and Corsham to come, Dorchester’s fate still lies in their own hands and belief remains high that the drop will be avoided.
Weatherbury Hearn- SEC - JW Sacffolding Man of the Match – Todd Richards.
Team:- Hodgson, Pengelly, Borries (Kershaw R 50), Hodges, Richards (Dixon 75), Brown, Gower D, Bament; Weller, Powell (Harvey 40); Elliott, Read, Firkin, Baker; Spensley;
