DORCHESTER II 22-31 EAST DORSET
Another away trip for East this season in sunny conditions, this time to mid table Dorchester. No game is easy, especially when you are top and teams want your scalp. A young well drilled Dorchester side epitomised this by throwing everything at their unbeaten visitors. With a big slope and the wind behind them Dorchester ripped into East and scored after just a few minutes. Their no 10 ran, switched, and sent 12 straight through Easts defence to score. Try kicked and East were up against things very early on.Sammy Seal kicked a pen to keep East in touch but this was hard work. Dorchester were counter rucking and winning most contact areas. When in possession the 10 was kicking superbly for territory. This resulted in another try as Dorchester backs again carved a way through the visitors defence to score. Kick missed but East were 12-3 down. Finally some ball in hand and a venture into the hosts 22, East had some joy when after a couple of scrums and following rucks prop Carts crossed to score. The up-tempo feeling wasn’t to last as Dorchester attacked again and kicked a penalty. This went from bad to worse for the supposed best defence in the league as the hosts ran in another try which was converted. HT Dorchester ll 22-8 East Dorset.
A half time chat was had from coach Stu and a few changes were made. No one was playing badly but the bench was strong, possibly the difference between mid and top table. The experienced heads helped East to play a 10 man game with the slope and wind behind them and narrow Dorchesters options. Evo was the first to score before Sammy Seals pen made it 22-16. It was now all East but Dorchester were defending stoutly. From a quick pen skipper Sam Tresman bravely smashed through a crowd of players to touch down. It was near the posts and only minutes were left but Seals kick agonisingly went wide. 22-21. It seemed that this young Dorch side were going to cause an upset and, for their efforts, it would be deserved. However, East were to show why they are top and relentlessly attacked whenever in possession. The visitors pack were in full control and they built phases to release Pooly who was held up inches from the line. Dominating both line out and scrum Paul Evans (Evo again) capitalised from the latter to dive over and touch down from an East drive. Finally East were in front and celebrated like the game was won. Kick missed! 22-26 to East.1 min left after the restart and East caught, passed, ran, then kicked the ball at their rivals. The ball ended up over the try line and bounced around horribly for the young Dorch full back. The on rushing Lordy dived onto the ball for his first ever (well done mate) and the win was secured. FT DORCH II 22 EAST 31
Dorchester at least deserved a bonus point for a great game and a huge effort against East. Well done to a young side who are well drilled and will become a major force without doubt. Was a bit nervous but thought we had enough to win it. What a game to watch. Well done lads, still unbeaten, and this game was really tough. Kept going till the final whistle and that wins games. Magic! Thanks to all who played. Coach Stu.
Darren Williams