A GLANCE down the team line-ups in the match programme suggested the enormity of the Twin Counties' task in Saturday's County Championship plate match at Bournemouth.

The visitors' team was made up from players mostly from Esher, London Welsh and Rosslyn Park, players who compete a good couple of levels higher than most of the Dorset and Wilts squad.

But the Twin Counties stuck to their guns even when down to 14 players following the dismissal of Oakmedians' fly half Jerry Cook for reckless use of the boot midway through the second half.

Dorset and Wilts won the toss and chose to play into the near gale that was blowing straight down the Chapelgate pitch, hoping not too concede a points total that they could not overhaul when the elements were in their favour after the break.

However, it did not quite work out that way and with half-time beckoning Surrey had raced in to 18 points to three lead courtesy of six penalties from the boot of Surrey full back Neil Hallett, who was later named man-of-the match, and the referee's whistle.

Cook did manage to convert one penalty for the Counties, but just before half-time Surrey left wing Duncan Traynor found himself in enough space to cross in the corner for a try to make the score 23-3 at the break.

Within a couple on minutes of the restart Traynor grabbed a second try for the visitors, then following some good work from the home backs Salisbury full back Tom Herbert touched down for the Counties, with Cook converting.

Hallett added another penalty for Surrey then Swanage hooker Robert Elford took an accidental blow in the face and had to retire.

He was replaced by Newbury flanker Dave Thorpe who immediately made his presence felt, taking the ball from Chippenham winger Dave Martin to cross for a try.

Following a period of Surrey pressure Hallett burst through a gap and touched down for a try in the corner and also slotted an excellent conversion.

As the final minutes ticked away Martin again put Thorpe in the clear and he grabbed his second try.

As Chippenham centre Andy Williamson's conversion bisected the posts the referee blew to bring the game to a close.