Match Report 27 October 2007
North Dorset 4th XV 5 Avonvale 1st XV 20
Team Sheet
- Dave Burnett
- John Crabbe (Capt)
- Andrew Ball
- Danny Witts
- Jerome Blanche
- James Allard
- Lee Zurybida
- Ben Sparks
- Steven Bath
- Steve Vowles
- Chris Cooper
- Alex Fereday
- Joe Vowles
- Gary Abbott
- Jack Chambers
Replacements
Damian Biswell, Chris Hobbs, Martin Bath
Scorers
Sparks – 2 tries
Bath – 1 try, 1 Pen,
Fereday – 1 Conv
The long trip down to Gillingham, amongst other things, for the game against North Dorset meant that Avonvale suffered slightly depleted numbers for this game, but the side fielded still contained a plentiful mix of youth and experience.
On a greasy pitch this proved, primarily, a struggle between the forwards to control the loose ball. From the opening whistle, the packs competed on relatively equal terms but the Avonvale back line succeeded in cutting some good lines deep into the North Dorset half. Avonvale put the first points o the board early, courtesy of a penalty by Steven Bath. Later in the first half, Bath made a darting break from the base of a scrum on the ND 22, to touch down the only try of the half.
The second half proceeded in a similar fashion to the first, conditions giving rise to a number of unforced errors, ensuring plenty of set pieces. The superior fitness of the Avonvale pack ensured that they moved well around the park and the key protagonist of good open running was Ben Sparks. His ball carrying was exemplary and he carved a swathe through the North Dorset line from his own half culminating in his first try on the 55th minute. His second try came 10 minutes later, following a similar break from inside the ND half to score under the posts. This was converted by Alex Fereday.
North Dorset did not give up and scored a try, following concerted pressure on the Avonvale 5 metre line, about 10 minutes from time.
Overall, this was not the prettiest match played this season, but it was a hard won victory in less than pleasant conditions.