Sunday 22nd April 2007
Wiltshire more mighty than Dorset
Wiltshire 12 – 10 Dorset
With 11 players making their debut, Wiltshire took on the “mitie” Dorset at Devises and beat them by 12 points to 10.
With the Wiltshire forwards dominant in most aspects of play Dorset were unable to release their backs often enough to gain the upper hand. When they did, the Wiltshire defence met the challenge and pinned Dorset back time and again. Excellent driving in the mauls and ferocious rucking by the Wiltshire forwards were notable features of the game. Although Dorset went ahead by 5 points in the first 5 minutes Wiltshire fought back and their first try was well rehearsed with a front lineout peel by No. 8 Ben Elwell who scored in the corner. Ben continued to cause Dorset grief throughout the game with his devastating runs.
Excellent refereeing decisions led to the letter of the laws being applied and despite giving away a number of penalties Wiltshire went ahead with a try from winger Harry Smith which was converted by Ben Taylor, also playing on the wing.
The second half saw Dorset fight back and after another of those excellent refereeing decisions Wiltshire had a player in the bin and Dorset took advantage with another try. Unfortunately they were unable to convert and the home team finished the match with a well-deserved and hard fought win.
Coaches Jon Parker, Colin Cunningham, Chris Lawrence, Craig Isles and I would like to express our congratulations to the team. The hardwork has paid off – well done.
Match Squad: Harry Neal, Jack Hiscocks, Michael Daniels, Ed Grace, Jake McConnell, Tom Smith, Jake Down, Ben Elwell, Billy Johnson, Rob Mann, Ben Taylor, Ollie Jeffries, Jack Brassey, Harry Smith, Jack A’Bear, Ross Peters, Sam Robinson, Tom Cunningham, Jay Jennings, James Sloan, Bertie Haskins, Tom Shelton
Mark Johnson. Team Manager.
A Dorset view is available on the Dorset pages ED
