DORCHESTER 24 BRADFORD-ON-AVON 14

DORCHESTER recorded their first Southern Counties South win of the season against Bradford-on-Avon, the side led by director of rugby and England World Cup winner Lewis Moody.

The early exchanges were an even affair, with the visitors missing a penalty in the first few minutes.

Lewis Allen opened the home side’s account, converting his own try 15 minutes in, but he was unable to kick a difficult penalty soon after.

Shortly before half-time, Callum King completed a move started from Dorch-ester’s own half to score under the posts.

Allen added the conversion, taking the home side into a 14-0 lead at half-time.

The second half saw the visitors start brightly by pressing the Dorchester line, and the hosts conceded several penalties which resulted in Tom Bamblet receiving a yellow card.

A resulting scrum saw Bradford score a converted try.

However, Dorchester responded to take a 19-7 lead when James Spencely crashed over. Allen was unable to convert.

The hosts then made two changes with Dave Gower slotting in naturally at 14, while Dave Cottell took over at prop.

The home side then found themselves down to 13 after Rob Grassby was also sent to the bin.

Bradford took advantage of their two extra players, scoring and converting to get to within five points.

With player parity restored, Dorchester proved too much for Bradford, edging 10 points ahead with Sam Jones scoring.

Both Gower and Allen made try-saving tackles late on to preserve the margin of victory and secure all five points.

Nandos’ Man of the Match: Sam Jones