SALISBURY 97

DORCHESTER 12

DORCHESTER, once more missing several key players, fell to their heaviest-ever league defeat at Tribute Southern Counties South leaders Salisbury.

On a beautiful spring day, the hosts proved far too fast for the patched-up Dorchester back division.

Playing down the slope and with the wind behind them Salisbury ran in eight tries in the first 40 minutes, with seven conversions leaving a half-time score of 54-0.

Despite the scoreline there were still some positives to take away from the game.

READ MORE: Dorchester reflect on season ahead of run-in

Dorchester’s scrum and lineout held up well and they did manage two tries in the second period.

Tristan Walters capped a very promising debut with an opportunist try, taking a quick throw in to himself and touching down in the right corner while everybody else just watched.

A stream of seven further tries for the hosts was interrupted by Charlie Sharpe's score upon returning to the first team after injury, forcing his way over from close range. His try was converted by James Baker.

The county town side now have two games left in the campaign, next weekend at home to Swanage & Wareham followed by a trip to Swindon to end the season.

Currently sitting sixth in the table, Dorchester will be keen to stay in the top half of the table having already surpassed their last season in this league, where they finished 11th with 27 points and were relegated.

Considering all factors involved, the squad have performed well, with some very good performances to look back on and clear improvements made.

Much heart can be taken from the performances of the young players new to the squad who have moved up through the club’s youth section.

Back at Surcouf Park, Dorchester’s A XV took on Swanage and Wareham Thirds and claimed a 41-22 victory after a slow start.

Matt Fry’s squad now sit fourth in Tribute Dorset & Wilts Two South, their campaign now over, but with the side below them having played one game less.

Statistically Ellingham & Ringwood could overtake them but would need a 75-point win over third-placed Poole.

The club’s Gladiators game against Ellingham & Ringwood was not played due to the opposition not being able to field a side, giving the Gladiators the full points haul and leaving them second in the Dorset & Wilts matrix.