DORCHESTER 27

ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT II 24

FOLLOWING an error-strewn first-half performance, Dorchester produced a stirring second half to overcome a 14-point deficit and beat Royal Wootton Bassett Seconds 27-14 at Surcouf Park.

In what appeared to be a carbon copy of last week, Dorchester started slowly and soon found themselves 12 points behind with both Alex Peel and Callum King off the field injured.

Bassett's points came from two tries and a conversion while the hosts missed a number of tackles and made several handling errors but did manage an unconverted try from Cohen Emery.

As the half drew to a close, the visitors added a third try and conversion to open a significant 19-5 lead at the break.

READ MORE: Dorchester 27-38 Wimborne - report

Peel, patched up, returned for the second half and was instrumental in Dorchester’s fightback.

Veteran back row Tom Gower started the second half scoring, picking up and dotting down following several rucks on the visitors’ line, Peel kicking the extras.

The visitors hit back with a try of their own before Emery crossed for his second of the day. Again, Peel added the conversion.

Dorchester continued to dominate, helped by the visitors incurring two yellow cards.

With ten minutes remaining, livewire scrum-half Jack Adams broke free and touched down in the left corner to level up the scores.

As the clock ticked down into the 79th minute, Dorchester pressed for the victory and were rewarded with a penalty 30 metres out and Peel calmly stroked over what proved to be the winning kick.

There was still time for one last attack from the visitors and, camped on the Dorchester line, they looked odds on to steal the win.

Determined defence, however, enabled George Foot to turn the ball over and the final whistle blew to the relief of players and supporters alike.

Emery picked up the Clayson Scaffolding player of the match award for his versatility and picking up two important tries to keep the home side’s momentum and build the comeback.

This result moves Dorchester up to fourth place in the Counties One Tribute Southern South table, with just three fixtures left for the side in their league campaign.

Next up for Dorchester is Frome Seconds at Surcouf Park on Saturday.

Elsewhere, Dorchester fielded a combined A and Gladiators side against a combined North Dorset XV in a friendly at Surcouf Park.

North Dorset fielded a youthful-looking side with some large forwards whilst the home side covered a wide age span.

Slade Collins started at fly-half with the evergreen Tim Stephens on the wing.

Special mention was made of the veteran Allan Bickley who belied his advanced years in a front row performance giving away both height and weight to his opposing number, giving a masterclass in mind over matter to ensure the side held set-piece dominance, securing the victory 31-28.

Dorchester’s Clayson Scaffolding player of the match was Will Mullins.