Sat 18 Sep 2021, 15:00
Martock got off to a flying start in this pre-season friendly by collecting the ball from the kick-off, moving it swiftly along to their winger, who scored in the corner where it was duly converted (0-7). They continued in this vein for the next 15 minutes playing with direction and keeping the pressure on North but failed to score. Then, slowly, North Dorset got their act together and started to control the game. A well-worked move resulted in centre Adam Trevis scoring an unconverted try (5-7) quickly followed by North`s International Player Jean-Luc Parry scoring a try duly converted by Sam Jones (12-7). Approaching half time, Jamie Bettesworth drove over the line with 3 Martock players hanging on for the ride, and Sam Jones provided the conversion (19-7).
The second half started with North generally controlling the game and former Colt Owen Tiltman scoring a good individual try Sam Jones converting again (26-7). Soon after this, with a great offload from Sandy Nightingale, young Gav Weeks scored an excellent converted try (33-7). Martock rallied, resulting in a period of pressurised play, but they failed to turn it into points. North retaliated with an excellent kick to the 5m line and a lineout, eventually turning to a scrum after a well-concerted effort from which they were able to drive over for an unconverted try (38-7). Following this, a good movement from forwards and Backs saw Luke Biggs running in a superb try from 30m. converted from the touchline by Sam Jones (45-7). The game suitably ended with Gav Weeks showing his pace to score out wide (50-7). Both sides played this friendly game in good spirit, and N. Dorset loaned several players due to Martock`s injuries.
Report by Barry D
This Saturday North Dorset men's teams kick off their competitive season.
North Dorset host Bournemouth III while the ND Badgers travel to Melksham IIs. Both games kick off at 3 pm. All North Dorset Rugby Clubs home games are free entry this season.
