Sat 11 Sep 2021, 15:00
Thirty-seven North Dorset Rugby Clubs Senior Men’s squad had a pre-season getaway to the Isle of Wight at the weekend as the club’s season preparations continue.
North had a mixture of 1st XV, Badgers (2nd XV) and Veterans making up their team against Isle of Wight RFC.
IOW kicked the game off, going down the slope and the wind behind them and immediately got their big ball carriers into the game and tried to make dents into Dorset’s territory. It wasn’t long until they smashed their way through and scored a try off a well-worked lineout, conversion missed, 5-0.
North Responded in fine fashion, and Spencer Pearce, who can typically be found behind the whistle, found some space and scored on his senior debut. 5-5. North started to get on top and put on a bit of pressure. Sean Perry capitalised with a strong run and scored a fine try, Skipper Tom Judd kicking the extras. 5 -12 after 20 minutes.
The following 20 was all IOW as they started to play the hill and breeze well, pinning North back in their half. North, however, defended superbly. Just before the stroke of halftime, Norths defence was breached, from set play at a scrum, IOW winger darting into the corner. Half time score 10 – 12.
The captain of the hydration team Thomas Barfoot picked the team to start the second half, and what a job he did. During the next 20 minutes, North scored four tries, Simon Drake x 2, Martin ’B’ Down scoring. However, the highlight of the game was James Halls try.
Full Back Jonathan Hooper received a loose kick, and fly-half James cut a beautiful line off Hooper’s shoulder. Tore through the defence, chipped the full-back and gathered his kick to score, a lovely coast-to-coast score under the sticks. After 60 minutes, the score read 10 – 38 to North.
IOW then upped the ante and spent the next 20 minutes smashing their way into North territory. North didn’t help themselves with a string of penalties against them which stopped the boys in green from clearing their lines. However, Norths D was superb and held out until the 79th minute, when eventually IOW picked up their 3rd and final try up, leaving the final score at 15 – 38.
IOW were fantastic hosts and helped North’s tourists discover some hidden gems on the Island. Special mentions go out to Julian Davis lost to Port and Man of the tour Charles Rees.
Saturday 18th September, North finish their pre-season campaign as North Dorset Men’s 1st XV host Warminster and ND Badgers host Martock. Both games kick off at 3 pm.
If you would like to play rugby, please find out more at www.ndrfc.co.uk/rugby
