After a stop start journey due to heavy traffic we arrived just in time for kick off. Despite the rushed preparation the kick off saw us slip right in to top gear.
We repelled the opening surges of the home side who were buoyed by the large crowd supporting their 24 hour Rugbyathon world record attempt, which incidentally they achieved. Congratulations Dorchester.
As the sides settled in to their rhythms our high tempo game began to bring its rewards and in the 15th minute Tom Sheppard went over for an unconverted try. Dorchester hit back 5 minutes later with an unconverted try of their own.
The game continued its end to end progress and following a penalty awarded in the home side's 22 Badge took a quick tap and burrowed over. 25 minutes gone we were 5 - 10 up.
Defences held up well for the remainder of the half although Dean Lewis slotted a penalty following a Dorchester indiscretion at the ruck. Half time 5 - 13.
The second half continued to see two well matched sides battle it out under a hot sun. With Tom Smith, James Ratcliffe & Steve Jones only making their second league starts in senior rugby the togetherness of the team shone through in a tight second half. Jamie Waters went over for two tries, the first converted by Dean with Dorchester's only points coming from an unconverted try.
Zac Butler with his all action display was deservedly named Man of the Match.