Dorchester started their league season with a difficult visit to last season’s runners-up Wootton Bassett. What was always going to be a tough ask was made even harder when several players were forced to withdraw at the last minute following a bout of sickness.
The Wiltshire side started much the stronger but with some strong defence and plenty of physicality from Dorchester it took Bassett a while to break them down. Eventually some constant phase play created space out wide for winger Nick Parker to score the first try. The conversion was not successful and the score was 5-0.
Flanker Bruce Elliot went over for the second try when eventually Bassett out muscled the Dorchester pack with some dynamic pick and drives. The successful conversion extended their lead 12-0. A mistake from the restart gave Dorchester the first chance to get on the scoresheet and debutant fly half John Firkin made no mistake with the penalty attempt.
As the half drew to a close the home full back Grant Murdoch got on the score sheet with an impressive line break after a neat three quarters move. This time the conversion was slotted and the score was extended to 19-3.
Bassett started the second half like they did the first and it wasn’t long before they extended the lead again. Some smart hand down the blindside from a ruck put the flying winger Duncan Fletcher into some space and he sprinted fifty meters to score in the corner. The conversion was again unsuccessful leaving the score at 24-3.
The visitors were now struggling for first phase possession but refused to lie down. Another storming run by George Damen put Dorchester in good field position and, showing good patience, they eventually crossed the Bassett line. Dave Gower back at scrum half getting the touch down and John Firkin added the extras. With the score at 24-10 Dorchester were just about in touch. The hosts, however, upped the pace and as Dorchester began to tire, put the game to bed.
Further tries from wingers Fletcher and Parker, a second for Murdock and a try each for No 8 Penny and centre Gallimore plus three conversions completed the days scoring.
Although well beaten at the end Dorchester can take some positives from the game, particularly their first half performance but must work on their fitness and ball retention. The next two games at Corsham and home to Devizes will be crucial to Dorchester’s hopes of an improvement from last season.
Weatherbury Hearn- SEC - JW Sacffolding Man of the Match - George Damen for his strong running and crunching tackles.
Team:- Hodgson, Jackson, Cottell (Weston 40), Hodges, King (Elkanouni 40), Rochfort, Dixon, Polley; Gower D, Firkin; Legg J, Damen, Bament, Gower T; Spensley;
Replacement not used; Haworth
