ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT 27

DORCHESTER 23

DORCHESTER conceded a late try as Royal Wootton Bassett Seconds clinched a narrow 27-23 win in Counties One Tribute Southern South.

In a game of five yellow cards, Dorchester can feel a little hard done by.

Dorchester got off to a flying start, winger Kieran Fry scoring in the right corner following good work from Jack Adams.

The visitors then found themselves under a period of sustained pressure and despite some outstanding defence the hosts finally forced their way over by the posts followed up with a simple conversion, one of only two successful kicks all afternoon.

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Dorchester’s back division were a continuous threat and Adams put them back in front with their second try.

Dorchester then found themselves reduced to 13 men, Laurance Birch and George Foot both consigned to the bin for technical offences. Again, showing excellent defence, Dorchester managed to get through this period conceding only two tries for a 17-10 deficit.

Back to full strength for the second period, scrum-half Jack Hayward set off on a dazzling run, beating several defenders to score under the posts. The conversion was missed but Dorchester were not behind for much longer.

It was Bassett’s turn to upset the referee as they found themselves down to 13 men and Dorchester took advantage when Steve Tucker, in the unusual role of full-back, put Fry over for his second try of the match.

However, the hosts fought back and retook the lead with their fourth try of the afternoon.

Ten minutes to go on the clock and Dorchester were awarded a penalty. Despite his previous travails, Jamie Morgan showed no nerves to convert and give Dorchester a 23-22 lead.

Unfortunately, with Matt Fry now in the sin-bin, Dorchester were unable to keep the hosts at bay and a late fifth try won them the game.

Although they picked up two bonus points, Dorchester will feel this is another one that got away, and they should have picked up a positive result.

However, with Corsham losing 17-10 to Weymouth & Portland, the gap between the sides below has now opened up a little.

Dorchester’s next match is against the team who sit below them in the standings and they will want a strong showing to pick up another win before the second half of the Ridgeway Rumble against Weymouth & Portland in February.

Next up, the side have a weekend off to rest and recover.

Meanwhile, Dorchester A took on Poole at Surcouf Park and came out 20-10 winners to give them hope of moving away from the foot of the Counties Three Tribute Dorset & Wilts table.

Their next game is a tough encounter on the road at leaders Swanage & Wareham Seconds.