Bill Beaumont Division 2 County Championship Final: Dorset & Wilts 37 v Durham 15 at Ealing Trailfinders RFC, 03/06/2023.
Three times past winners of the division 3 championship the Twin Counties lifted the division 2 silverware with a stunning second half display of rugby.
The first 40 minutes were nip and tuck with both teams crossing the whitewash 3 times, but Royal Wootton Bassett fly half Sam Baker had packed his kicking boots and landed all 3 conversions whereas his Durham counterpart must have left his at home, so it was 21 points to 15 at the break in favor of Dorset and Wilts. and it must be said somewhat against the run of play.
However, after the break the Twin Counties took control and never relaxed their grip until the final whistle to emerge deserved victors of the competition at the first time of asking.
After the game their captain Gavin Oulgan of Royal Wootton Bassett was presented with the winner’s Silver Salver by RFU President Nigel Gillingham in front of their travelling supporters.
Durham took the lead in the 8th minute with a try, but 4 minutes later and on their first sortie into the Durham half Chippenham’s Alafoti Fa’osiliva powered his way over the line for a try converted by Baker.
With 19 minutes on the clock Chippenham centre Eoin Baker was put clear to touch the ball down for the Counties’ second try with Baker again adding the extras.
On the half hour Durham crossed for their second try of the afternoon and when 7 more minutes of the game had elapsed, they touched down for their third to put them into a 1-point lead 15 to 14, but on the stroke of half time Bournemouth lock forward Joe Desmond broke clear of the pack to restore the Dorset and Wilts lead with a try and Baker converting again to make the half time score Dorset and Wilts 21 points Durham 15.
After the turn around it was mostly one-way traffic with Durham struggling to clear their own lines and with the sun beating down both sides began to wilt in the heat.
It was time to bring on the replacements, but it made little change to the intensity of the Dorset and Wilts game resulting in 2 more tries for the Combined Counties 1 each from Salisbury wings Ed Crossley and Henry Toomer with Baker landing 2 penalty kicks to bring proceedings to a close.
Weymouth Football Club’s women’s team have acquired the services of winger Gracie Billing for another season.
