Dorchester AXV earn a hard fought 2 points
After last week's win over Swans III, Dorchester travelled to Salisbury in good spirits, especially given the result of the reverse fixture (31-5). Our 14 (for the second time in three matches) were:
15 - Rob Grassby, 14 - Dudley Morris, 13 - James Baker, 12 - Joe Gower, 11/6 - Stefan Pittman, 10 - Tom Clifford, 9 - Bill Gates, 8 - Rob Woods, 7 - Sam Keel, 5 - John Warren, 4 - Rulzy, 3 - Alex Duncan (Captain), 2 - Simon Pengelly, 1 - Ross Mclaren
With the news that Tony wouldn't make it (missing text edited for security reasons*), it was decided that Stefan would have to play wing and wing-forward, but with Salisbury having a considerably heavier pack and two new centres since the last time we met, we were shocked early on as their forwards trundled up the pitch, released the backs and used a simple miss pass to release their winger (whose age is the total of our back 3 plus 10) to score in the corner. Two minutes later a very similar move again stretched our defence and the ball was down in the same corner. Both conversions were missed but the 1st minute penalty for not releasing meant the score was 13-0.
Backs against the wall but confident, Dorchester got a penalty shot of their own. Using the Munster style 'enter the opposition half - come away with points' approach, it was decided to take the points - but TC, having kicked everything in the warm up, missed and it was decided, quite rightly (by Joe and James) to run everything from then on. The rest of the half was played mainly in Salisbury's half but we couldn't get over the line. The ref gave a penalty or scrum every time the ball and more than two players were on the floor. The game was very scrappy with our backs getting increasingly frustrated. The few times they did get the ball they made good breaks and beat the opposition, only for a drop or pile up and referees whistle forcing the play to stop.
At half time, we knew we would win the second half but 'by how much?' was the crucial question. With the scrum working a little better but line-out still horrible, we kept making ground only for Salisbury to kick the ball back over our heads. The pressure paid though and after some good work through the midfield, Dudley outpaced and out muscled three defenders to stretch over in the corner for his first try for the club. TC narrowly missed a very difficult conversion but our tails were up. More of the same style continued and our forwards looked much better and more determined. Rulzy and John Warren, playing 2nd row were full of aggression and controlling it was the key.
Some more good work from the forwards and quick ball set the backs free again and James finished well going under the posts and the lead was just a point. (missing text edited for security reasons*)still hadn't arrived, the clock was ticking down but some big performances were capped with big moments. Mac attack and Simon were leading well up front and Woody was causing chaos as usual. Sam then ran through three huge gaps and beat at least nine men with the look on his face that only his girlfriend would've seen in the past. Just as it seemed he was going to go all the way, he realised he was knackered and got munched. A series of other pile ups including a bundle into touch leaving one opposition face bloodied and flattened caused a break in play (missing text edited for security reasons*).
Another break up field and (missing text edited for security reasons*) passed to Joe who looked up to pass but realised that the gap was there and ran in from 15 metres under the sticks. Joyous scenes followed. High fives and chest bumps were going on all around the pitch. Rulzy wiped a tear from his eye. Roger couldn't control his bladder and Ross got up off the floor. James kicked the conversion. We won the ball from the restart, coolly played a phase or two and Bill kicked it into touch.
The refs whistle peeped the glorious final peep and we all felt extremely pleased and relieved with our afternoons work. TC got man of the match for his kicking out of hand and control of the second half. Rob showed some nice touches on his debut and we hope to see more of him and Stefan did well to cover two positions but everyone deserves a big pat on the back for not giving up at any point and there is a growing spirit amongst the regulars in this team. Huge respect to (missing text edited for security reasons*) for putting in a massive effort after a difficult week!
Let's hope it can continue into next week's vital clash against much respected local rivals Bridport.
*To prevent a murder some sensitive material has been edited from this report. The original was a work of art and very very funny, so apologies to the author for ruining his master piece with this callus editing.
