A Tom Caines hat trick and excellent place kicking under pressure from Adam Jones enabled a scratch Dorchester side to make their way into the Vase Semi Final.
Dorchester started brightly and were soon in front via an Adam Jones penalty. The visitors continued to press but Melksham, with the benefit of a strong breeze, were able to clear their lines and take play into the Dorchester twenty two. A break down the left wing and a couple of clever offloads saw the hosts on the board with a converted try.
Stung into action, Dorchester immediately hit back and right wing Tom Caines was the beneficiary of a huge overlap, crossing wide out for the first of his three tries. Jones was unable to convert on this occasion but when minutes later Caines touched down under the posts the extras were a formality.
The visitors then took the foot of the gas allowing the Melksham midfield far too much time and space. An unconverted try was quickly followed by a penalty goal and then, with the last play of the half, Melksham retook the lead. The inside centre going under the posts without a hand being laid on him.
Dorchester, now with the wind behind them, were straight onto the attack in the second period. An early penalty closed the gap and it wasn’t long before the visitors were back in front, Caines completing his hat trick in the right corner. An excellent touchline conversion from Jones put Dorchester three points in front.
Again Dorchester eased off when they could, and should have put the game beyond their opponents. Dorchester were always in control but as the time ticked away and the lead stayed at just three points Melksam had the chance to nick it at the death. One penalty was missed but the home fly half made no mistake with a second attempt and the scores were tied with time running out.
The visitors upped their game and they were soon awarded a penalty chance. The reliable Jones made no mistake and Dorchester were able to play out the last few moments without any further problems.
Acheson Construction man of the match: Matt Read
Team: Adams, Chalker (Pengelly 70), Cottell, King (Broadbent 60), Makepeace, Hawkins, Newsam, Dixon; D Gower, Clifford; Caines, Jones, Harvey, T Gower; Read;
