DORSET & WILTS 24 ESSEX 20

TWO late Dave Hogg penalties sealed victory for the Twin Counties in a match against Essex at Trowbridge they just about deserved to win.

Neither side really mastered the blustery conditions as a strong breeze blew diagonally across the park, but Dorset & Wilts rallied in the final few minutes and kept the visitors penned inside their own half with some accurate kicking.

And, under pressure, Essex tested the patience of the referee, who awarded the penalties that Hogg converted to seal the game.

Dorset & Wilts were ahead inside two minutes through a Hogg penalty. Eight minutes later, Essex centre Fabio Olunfowora levelled the scores with a penalty of his own.

Salisbury centre Tom Scott then burst clear and weaved his way past three Essex defenders to cross for the Twin Counties. Hogg landed the extras.

Visiting flanker Lewis Gilbert charged over for a try in the 27th minute, followed on the stroke of half-time by team-mate Tom Simpson. And with Olunfowora’s conversion Essex led 15-10 at the break.

Following the interval, Dorset & Wilts skipper Hogg stroked over another penalty to reduce the gap to just a couple of points.

Harry Salisbury then broke clear for the hosts and sprinted 50 metres before an Essex defender managed to collar him, but he had enough in the tank to power over.

As the game reached its climax, a mistake in the Dorset & Wilts midfield allowed Tom McCaffery to grab a try and put the visitors 20-18 in front.

But drama ensued in the closing moments. Hogg’s two penalties were enough to snatch victory and ensure the Twin Counties maintained their good form in the competition.