East Dorset victorious in their first league fixture

East Dorset win their first league match of the season with a hard fought win against Wheatsheaf. Match report provided by Stu Wilson, East Dorset Chairman.

East started the new season well with a hard fought victory over their Wiltshire visitors.

The hosts had the better of early possession but failed to turn it into points.
Wheatsheaf struck first with a penalty from in front of the posts. East regained the ball from the restart and a lovely run and offload from George Cotton sent captain Chris Poole in for the try.
It looked like that would give East the incentive to take a hold of the game. Time and again though the ball was lost in contact or kicked away too cheaply.
Wheatsheaf took advantage of this and ran in two tries, one converted.

HT East 5-15 Wheatsheaf

It was crucial East scored first in the second half to stay in touch. They had plenty of the ball but could not break through. Wheatsheaf were, to be fair, proving to be a tough nut to crack. They tackled well and made good distance with clearance kicks.
Finally the pressure paid off and Nick Darvill forced his way over. Kieran Wilson with the extra 2. Most important after two first half misses.
It was now 12-15 to the visitors but most of the territory was with East. The platform was being set but again the ball was being kicked to often and Wheatsheaf could clear. Finally though Cellum Dutton broke through the defence to finish some good attacking play. Wilson again with the conversion.
19-15 to East.

With the clock running down East needed to keep possession. They failed to do so and Wheatsheaf ran through a dog leg defence to score. Kick missed but now 19-20 to them.

East would not give up trying though and a good maul from a line out eventually saw Darren Young go over to the delight of the watching crowd. Kieran again on target.
26-20

A tense last few minutes saw the visitors lay siege to East's line but they held on for the win with some great defence.
Good win, close game, well played Wheatsheaf.

Man of the match Richard Carnell. He covered just about every inch of the pitch. Great work rate.
Well done lads, made hard work of it at times. Giving the ball away so much will see us get punished!! Thanks to all who came to watch in the rain. Chair.