Bournemouth Wanderers put on a scintillating display of rugby on Saturday, 1st April, at Surcouf Park, with a handsome 55-17 victory over Dorchester in a tight-fought match.
Playing down the slope in perfect playing conditions, the Wanderers had a narrow lead at half-time, but it was in the second half, that they really came into their own, as they ran in no fewer than eight tries, especially in an astonishing period late in the game, against just one from Dorchester.
The standout player for the Wanderers was undoubtedly their centre, Maverick Goodchild, who proved to be a constant threat throughout the match, with his pace and skill making him a constant threat to the home side. Goodchild was happy to run the ball from deep in his own half, and it was this willingness to take risks that ultimately proved to be the difference between the two sides.
Despite a valiant effort from Dorchester, who never gave up even when the Wanderers looked like they were running away with it, it was the visitors who ultimately came out on top, with their youthful energy and skill proving too much for their opponents.
Speaking after the match, Wanderers team manager, Tim Robins, was full of praise for his team, saying that it was an “outstanding team performance”, with the pack in particular “having total dominance in the scrum”. Robins went on to say that it had taken a little while for the backs to click, but once they did, they produced some outstanding running rugby, with a special mention for fullback Gareth Hicks, who was clinical with the boot.
With this victory, the Wanderers progress to the second round of the competition, with another away game scheduled for 15th April against Sherborne. Based on their performance against Dorchester, it’s clear that, potentially, they will be a force to be reckoned with in the latter stages of the competition.
Overall, it was a fantastic display of rugby from the Wanderers and for those lucky enough to have been there on Saturday, it was a match that they will no doubt remember for a long time but where the scoreline didn’t do justice to the home side
