In one of only a handful of games played throughout the west country this weekend Dorchester produced comfortably their worst performance of the season so far. This is not to take anything away from Oldfield, who belied their lowly league position to produce a passionate and skilful display and fully deserved the victory.
Dorchester started well and had a couple of early chances, both Tom Caines and Justin Miller denied by excellent last ditch tackles by the home fullback. Dorchester’s lineout however was not firing and some of their tackling was less than secure as well. Twenty minutes into the game a speculative kick ahead was fielded by Oldfield fullback, he fed his right winger who proceeded to run fifty metres through several weak tackles to score under the posts.
The visitors responded almost immediately, man of the match Matt Read scoring after a superb arcing run and dummy. The hosts were gaining in confidence all the time and before the end of the half the right winger again ran though some feeble tackling to score his second try. The score at halftime was fourteen points to five.
The Dorchester coach made his feeling known at half time but to little effect. Oldfield, with their experienced scrum half now controlling the game, were rarely threatened. A long range penalty stretched the lead to twelve points before the home side added a third try when Dave Gower’s attempted clearance hit an Oldfield player in the stomach and stuck, allowing him to flop over the line.
In an attempt to shake things up Dorchester made changes but replacement Adam Makepeace was harshly sent to the bin for a high tackle and in his absence the hosts scored their fourth try. With the game now well out of reach Dorchester finally began to play with some heart. Concerted attacks led to Justin Miller scoring a well deserved try capping yet another all action performance by the flanker. It was however fitting that the final word should go the Oldfield scrum half who kicked a simple penalty to complete the scoring.
Dorchester will be grateful for the Christmas break and a chance to try and rediscover their early season form.
Acheson Construction man of the match:: Matt Read.
Team: Hodgson, Chalker, Borries (Adams 70), Hawkins, King, Newsam (Makepeace 60), Miller, Dixon; D Gower, Jones (Rossiter 70); Caines, Waddington, Harvey, T Gower; Read;
