Ivel travelled to Dorchester off the back of last week’s win, in strong spirits. But things started off badly for Ivel, when an early attack by Dorchester resulted in an unconverted try. Straight from the restart, the home side went on the attack again, but a miss pass within their backs allowed Ivel’s Troy Fowler to collect the ball and cross for the try. Lee Jones converted the extra point.
Ivel, now with the lead, went on the attack. They made good use of their strong scrum and well worked lineout’s to push Dorchester back. But, with both sides giving away penalties and handling errors there was nothing to separate the teams. Shortly before half time, Dorchester was reduced to 14 men after more poor discipline at the breakdown area. Ivel nearly capitalised on this, when a good break lead to them being stopped short of the try line.
Half time:
Dorchester 5
Ivel Barbarians 7
The second half started with an early unconverted try for Dorchester. It appeared the home side’s player was in touch when he grounded the ball but the decision went the way of the home team. This did not affect Ivel’s teamwork, and they went straight on the attack moving up to Dorchester’s 22. A well worked lineout and quick rucking created a gap for Ivel’s Lee Jones to score and convert his own try.
Ivel were now back in front, but this did not last for long as Dorchester added 2 quick tries to open a lead. Ivel stayed in the game with some good attacking rugby, but were unable to convert their chances. With Dorchester adding 2 more tries, they were able to ensure the victory, but Ivel never gave up. Following pressure from winger Troy Fowler on the Dorchester attack, he was able to turn over the ball, and with some good handling by Paul Moretensen, was able to score a well deserved try for Ivel.
Full time
Dorchester 36
Ivel Barbarians 21
An Ivel spokesman said: “We may have lost today, but the players can take great heart from the game, with a strong team performance and a never say die attitude. Man of the match for Ivel was prop Jake Woolmore who contributed strong running, tackling and power at the scrum. Mention to Simon Watkins making his first team debut who also showed good strength in the front row and in defence. Ivel next week travel away to face Wimborne in what will be another tough game.”
Martin Cole: Another good performance, all but for 15 minutes of the second half. Everyone is stepping up, both at training and on match day. We need to keep taking the positive displays forward whilst working on the small errors. The lads are working hard at training and are fighting each week to retain the clubs position within southern counties.