DORCHESTER Under-13s have become county champions after emerging unbeaten against Wimborne and Oakmeadians.

In the first match. they ran home to a 40-0 win, the opening try by the forwards setting the tone for what would prove to be a very physical and kinetic match, hard-fought by both teams.

Wimborne were the physically larger team, but the county pack managed to dominate scrums and rucks, while the backs ran in a score of fast-moving tries.

In the second match, again played against a more physically imposing squad, the Dorchester lads ran in 35 points, once more to nil by rivals Oakmeadians.

No player could be singled out for particular praise, because this was truly a team effort by the entire squad playing with absolute commitment for each other and their club.

Speaking after the games, head coach Mark Bradley said: “The boys raised the bar even higher this year, playing two of the best local teams in Wimborne and Oaks and not conceding a try all day.

“It was really nice to have parents and coaches from other clubs come up and congratulate us, not only on winning, but also on the way the boys played. One parent said: ‘Your boys are head and shoulders above everyone, well deserved’. Thank you, whoever that was. All parents should be very proud of the boys, they have all played their part in a very successful season.”

Like last year, when the Dorchester team won the County Cup, they had the support of TV adventurer and former SAS man Bear Grylls.

Bear wished the boys luck before the last Sunday matches. ‘Amazing!’ was his response to hearing the news of their retaining the County Cup.

Speaking of his support, second row David Lewis said: “Having Bear’s support was the icing on the cake of another fantastic achievement by the team.”