FROME 48

DORCHESTER 5

A DORCHESTER side without a host of first choice players were soundly beaten by a very good Frome side in the Wadworth 6x Southern Counties South Division.

The visitors showed great spirit and endeavour but were well-beaten in their sixth loss of the season so far, which leaves them languishing in the lower reaches of the table.

The hosts kicked off down the slope and immediately showed their intent, unleashing any number of big ball carriers at pace.

Dorchester defended bravely but it was only a matter of time before they were breached, with two converted tries coming in the opening quarter. Dorchester’s scrum was rock solid but they were struggling at the lineout and consequently spent most of the first half without the ball. Frome added three more tries and a conversion to lead by 31 points at the break.

The second half was a little more even, Frome again scored early before a long scoreless period ended with debutant scrum half Kyle Pinnock intercepting on half way and outpacing the defence to the right corner.

Frome added two further tries before the final whistle to further widen the scoreline but Dorchester left the field with the heads held high.

Dorchester now lie tenth in the Wadworth 6X Southern Counties South league with three big games to target before the Christmas break.

Next up for Dorchester are Grove, three places above them in the table, followed by North Dorset, who are below Dorchester, and finally table-topping Sherborne on December 15.

The coaches have asked for a big push at training, a step up in performance and good availability.

They have set the team a points target to achieve as they aim to remain in the Southern Counties South Division.

Meanwhile, a much changed A XV put in a fantastic performance to beat Oakmeadians 50-13 and captain Rob Parker stated his front row put in an ‘epic performance’ but also commented how proud he was of the whole team picking up the full five points on offer.

This leaves Dorchester fourth in the table, with both teams above on the same points tally and table-topping Ellingham & Ringwood only one point clear, which keeps them on target to battle for the league honours.

The combined Dorchester, Weymouth & Portland ladies side went down at home to a well-drilled Southampton side 68-0 and took a few injuries in the process.