Showing their potential only in fits and starts Dorchester were never in any real danger of losing to willing but very limited Westbury.
Once again the game was influenced by the very stiff breeze blowing straight down the pitch which Dorchester were given first use of. The visitors immediately fell foul of the referee who, to put it kindly, was obviously keen to impose himself on proceedings.
Four penalties in a row gave the hosts field position and then an opportunity to kick a goal. The chance however was not taken. Dorchester slowly took charge and opened the scoring with an excellent try. Forwards and backs combined with some slick passing and offloads to put skipper Dave Gower over for the score.
Stephen Hodgson, who along with fellow front rowers Dave Cottell and Mat Chalker, was having an outstanding afternoon cashed over for try number two following a lineout close to the Westbury line. The home side’s number 8 did kick a penalty goal but Dorchester finished the half twelve points to the good when Jack Elliott scythed through the defence to touch down for try number three.
With the wind at their backs Westbury put a huge effort into the opening exchanges of the second half and only stern Dorchester defence kept them at bay. Indeed the host’s centre appeared to have scored under the posts despite Rich Bament’s last ditch tackle but the referee ruled that he had failed to ground it.
This seemed to take the wind out of the Westbury sails and the game drifted through the last twenty minutes. James Baker added Dorchester’s fourth try chasing his own kick ahead and outpacing the cover into the opposite corner. Westbury kicked a penalty to complete the scoring.
The coaches pronounced themselves reasonably happy, particularly with the defence that has now not conceded a try for three consecutive games.
Weatherbury Hearn- SEC - JW Scaffolding Man of the Match: Dave Cottell
Team ; Hodgson, Chalker (Pengelly 70), Cottell, Hodges, Broadbent, O’Connell, Newsam, Gower D; Weller, Rossiter; Caines (Waddington 50), Elliott, Firkin, Baker; Bament;
