DORCHESTER 27

WIMBORNE 38

DORCHESTER came close to inflicting Wimborne’s first league loss of the season before a late surge from the leaders propelled them to a 38-27 win.

It means Wimborne have now won 16 out of 18 Counties One Tribute Southern South league games, drawing twice.

Wimborne were given a real scare by Dorchester, who took the lead with 15 minutes to go at Surcouf Park before the leaders flourished late on.

Dorchester had the worst possible start, conceding a converted try in the very first minute.

READ MORE: Dorchester 79-5 Trowbridge Seconds - report

Wimborne continued to have the upper hand and a second converted try soon followed for a 14-0 lead.

As the game entered the second quarter, Dorchester began to show their attacking potential. Brook Legg made ground down the left wing to give Dorchester field position and, from the ensuing line-out, prop Tom Louch drove over from close range.

With the game now much more equal it was the visitors who scored next, Wimborne’s burly centre breaking several tackles before scoring in the left corner.

An excellent individual try from Dorchester scrum-half Jack Adams followed, breaking round the back of a line-out and outpacing the defence to the line. Wimborne then scored a fourth try on the stroke of half-time, the conversion giving them a 26-10 lead.

A determined Dorchester came out for the second half with renewed purpose and dominated the third quarter.

Alex Peel’s crossfield kick found hooker Josh Ovey who, despite slipping, found Louch for his second try.

A period of sustained pressure on the Wimborne line saw the visitors conceding a stream of penalties before the referee’s patience ran out, a penalty try and a yellow card the result.

Dorchester continued to press and another pinpoint crossfield kick from Alex Peel gave right winger Brook Legg a try in the right corner and Dorchester a 27-26 lead.

Wimborne, however, are top of the table for a reason and although it was somewhat against the run of play, they showed their class creating overlaps for two further tries in the final ten minutes as the home side tired from their supreme effort.

In the end, Dorchester had to settle for a four-try bonus point.

Louch picked up the Clayson Scaffolding player of the match award after scoring two tries and being a solid foundation in a strong front row.

The result moves Wimborne 14 points clear of the chasing pack and Dorchester sit fifth on 54 points.

Next weekend, Dorchester host Royal Wootton Bassett Seconds at Surcouf Park.

Meanwhile, Dorchester A played a friendly against a strong Wimborne Seconds to test themselves and understand what it would need to aim for league promotion next season, the visitors sitting third one tier above them.

The side went down gallantly in a 61-5 defeat to a well-drilled side, but despite the scoreline the home side showed resilient defence learning much from the experience.

Wimborne remained gracious both on and off the pitch in victory.

Dorchester’s sole try was scored by Barney Jones, cutting a great line from the wing to give the home crowd something to cheer. The club’s A squad now have the Dorset & Wilts cup competition to fight for.