Winchester 48 - 24 North Dorset

Winchester, third in the league, beat mid-table North Dorset 48 - 24, leaving the Gillingham side still seeking their first away win.

Fast out of the blocks with early pressure, Winchester forced a deliberate knock-on, and fullback Tommy Hare kicked the three points in the 3rd minute.

North Dorset responded well and a blistering counterattack by their fullback Thomas Stewart saw excellent territory gained. North Dorset then won the scrum against the head and lock Pearce Mercer scored in the corner, converted by Stewart. It was clear that North Dorset’s forwards were formidable and their full-back a handful.

The fast pace continued. Winchester won the ball at a North Dorset lineout and some mercurial back play saw centre Jake Hiscock break through and pass to wing Tom Forster whose jinking run dotted the ball in the corner. The conversion by Hare bounced the wrong side of the upright and the score was 8-7.  

When North Dorset elected to scrum for a high tackle penalty, their big pack made ground and strong forward play saw prop Jamie Bettersworth score.

Winchester chased the restart. North Dorset fumbled and then conceded a penalty then kicked to touch 5 yards from the North Dorset line. A clean line out ‘win’ gave scrumhalf Tom Fieldsend the perfect platform for a wide pass to Forster for his second try. Hare made a successful conversion.

An up and under kick by North Dorset was caught by flyhalf Josh Tolan, a deft pass to Hiscock and another to Fieldsend saw him score the final try of the half, again converted by Hare. A slim lead of 22-14 to Winchester.

Winch started the second half with a strong attack, wing Rhys Thomas made a long fast zig zag run; tackled close to the line, he was able to offload to Fieldsend for his second try.

North Dorset were still working hard, and a strong forward drive saw flanker Thomas Hooper score, converted by Stewart.

Winchester responded immediately; an intelligent cross-field kick by Fieldsend found the arms of touchline sprinting winger Thomas who went over. Hare’s conversion created a fifteen-point lead.

Winchester’s superior fitness was beginning to tell and from a rolling maul, the new back row George Ward scored.

North Dorset replaced some of their pack and an unconverted try by flyhalf Robert Sampson gave them a fourth bonus point try.

Winchester used their bench and South African replacement prop Gareth Schreuder was rewarded with the final try, converted by Hare.

Winchester won an exciting game 48-24. The referee Mr. Matt Ellis, making his debut at Winchester, commented that it was played in good spirits by both sides. And both teams and supporters returned that compliment.  North Dorset players enjoyed the game and look forward to hosting Winchester later in the season.  

Coach Gaz Martin complimented North Dorset’s strong pack and their unbeaten records at home.