The reverse fixture between these sides in October was a thriller and both teams contributed fully to highly entertaining rematch, the result of which was in doubt until the final whistle.
On a perfect day for rugby the visitors were first out of the blocks and opened the scoring with a well worked try and conversion after only five minutes. The score seemed to shake up the hosts and, with their lineout showing a marked improvement from last week, they began to make inroads into Tadley’s defence.
The new midfield partnership of James Rossiter and Adam Jones was making space for Lee Harvey and Matt Read and it was no surprise when the later forced his way over in the right hand corner to put Dorchester on the board. Tadley were also attacking at every opportunity and had several chances but could only add a penalty kick to their total.
With the first period drawing to a close Dorchester turned over Tadley ball in midfield, swiftly broke blind and quick hands from Matt Read and Gareth Biddle put Lee Harvey over for Dorchester second try. Harvey was able to go round under the posts making Jones’ conversion a formality and giving Dorchester a two point lead at the break.
If Dorchester thought that they could now cruise to victory they were to be quickly disillusioned as Tadley came out reinvigorated and looking very dangerous. Two tries, one of which was converted, turned the match on its head and had Dorchester facing a first home defeat of the season.
With just fifteen minutes left on the clock man of the match Justin Miller broke through to score a crucial try. Jones converted and Dorchester were within three points. They then proceeded to throw everything at Tadley in a bid to snatch victory. Steve Hodgson crossed in the corner but was called back for obstruction in the build up. Justin Miller touched down in the same corner but this time there was a foot in touch.
With barely a minute left skipper Dave Gower reacted quickest when Dorchester were awarded yet another penalty. Refusing the kick at goal that would tie the scores he tapped to himself and weaved his way through the retreating defence to win the game for his team. Jones added the extras, which meant Tadley would need to score a try in order to win. There was only time for Dorchester to recover the kick off and dispatch the ball into the next field to complete proceedings.
Acheson Construction man of the match: Justin Miller
Team: Hodgson, Chalker, Bamlet, Broadbent (Underhill 70), Makepeace, Hawkins (Newsam 70), Miller, Dixon; D Gower, Rossiter; Biddle, Jones, Harvey, T Gower; Read;
