Back at Twickers

DORSET & WILTS 61 ESSEX 37

DORSET & Wilts booked a return to Twickenham in the RFU County Shield final after disposing of Essex in the last four.

The defending champions took control from the outset at Bournemouth and scored inside four minutes following a converted try from Bournemouth scrum-half Sam Hardcastle.

Salisbury flanker Sean Barwick was next to go over and his effort was also duly converted by Swindon fly-half Adam Westall.

Barwick’s second try of the afternoon, together with Westall adding the extras once more, put the hosts firmly in the driving seat at 21-0.

However, they were dealt a blow in the 22nd minute when Jack Hennings clashed with an Essex rival and was subsequently red carded, reducing the home side to 14.

As Dorset & Wilts were re-organising, visiting hooker Tyson Goodchild touched down following a line-out.

But the Twin Counties reasserted their dominance with Salisbury lock Liam Gilbert crashing over and Westall dispatching a penalty.

Full-back Simon Lilley then crossed on his home ground to extend Dorset & Wilts’ lead, only for Chris Dudman to reduce the arrears ahead of the break with a converted score.

Westall landed two quickfire penalties as the second half got underway before Dudman and Nick Horton both touched down to close the deficit to 20.

Salisbury’s Dave Thorpe had only been on the field for a couple of minutes when he opened his account with a try in the 69th minute and Chippenham second row Bobby Lyons also got in on the act with Westall adding the extra two points.

Tom Dunn (Chippenham) was next to get his name on the scoresheet – Westall again converting to put the result beyond doubt.

But as the Twin Counties began to tire, Essex ran in three more consolation tries via Horton, Dudman and Tom King.

It was too little, too late for the away side as Dorset & Wilts prepare for this Sunday’s showpiece with Surrey – the curtain-raiser to the England versus Barbarians match.