Sat 16 Apr 2022, 14:30
On Saturday 16th April, North Dorset entertained Melksham in the Dorset & Wilts Vase Semi-Final. From the Kick-off, North was a hive of activity early on but a stiff Melksham defence denied the home side. Melksham then mounted a strong attack but was repelled by North Dorset`s great defence which they soon turned into an attack with Jake Canning scoring a magnificent try which left Melksham's defence tackling thin air. Sam Jones converted 7 - 0. This galvanised North Dorset into full attacking mode and Adam Geal broke through the centre, leaving behind a trail of Melksham bodies, to score, again converted by Sam Jones 14 - 0.
Melksham's lock intercepted a loose pass from the kick-off and he sped away to score in the corner 14-5. The momentum ebbed and flowed between the teams until North Dorset were awarded a penalty just in the Melksham half and Sam Jones produced a fine kick to make it 17-5, swiftly followed by a 2nd to make it 20-5. Melksham mounted a series of attacks and Dorset were forced to defend their line for a long period of time but finally broke free and pressurised Melksham`s line and were eventually rewarded with Sam Jones taking a quick penalty and Charlie Jobling burrowed through to score and Jones converted 27-5. Melksham again put pressure on the Dorset line and Charlie Jobling took a yellow card for a high shot but North managed to hold out until halftime.
From the restart, Melksham attacked and moved the ball to make use of their extra man and used their pacy winger to full effect, Jake Canning's last-ditch tackle was deemed dangerous and a penalty try was awarded a Yellow to Jake was a sting in the tail, 27-12.
North Dorset was now down to 13 but did not sit back and mounted their own series of attacks but was held up over the line and from the resulting goal-line drop-out, Jay Westcar rolled back the years and went on a terrific mazy run only to be tackled a few meters short from the resulting breakdown Joe Atkins hit a beeautiful line and crashed over with several Melksham players getting a free ride. Robbie Sampson converted 34-12. Melksham once again rallied and put together a good move to score a converted try 34-19. For a while, the momentum was definitely with Melksham but North Dorset weathered the storm until a well rehearsed back move which freed Sampson to make a break, he drew the last man and passed to Sam Trevis who scampered over, a good try to halt Melksham`s flow 39-19. Melksham replied with a penalty 39-22 and Dorset raised their game with an unconverted try from Charlie Jobling after a lovely assist from Westcar, 44-22. The final try of the match was a corker with Matt Piper running the length of the pitch leaving the Melksham defence floundering behind him. The final score was 49-22.
This was a good game of Rugby between two well-matched teams determined to play open Rugby and thoroughly entertained probably the largest (and most vocal) crowd of spectators of the season.
North Dorset are buzzing as they now play East Dorset Dockers in the final on 23rd April at Blandford RFC 2.30 k.o.
Pictures can be found below on Martin Stewarts Facebook Page
