A MUCH-IMPROVED Westbury side saw off the challenge of league title contenders Dorchester on Saturday.

The former South West Division Two side with just one defeat in the league this season, were expecting an easy win and after 10 minutes took the lead with a penalty.

The game restarted with Westbury's forwards beginning to dominate the opposition.

They forced their way into the 22 metre area and only solid defence by Dorchester stopped them scoring. There then followed a series of scrums during which the Westbury pack drove Dorchester back over their own try line.

With the ball being carried over the line Westbury were awarded a five-metre scrum. Number eight Sam Nitz picked up the ball at the base of the scrum and drove for the line, but he was stopped just short and with the defenders handling the ball on the floor.

Westbury were given a penalty and spurning the three points they opted for a set move. Scrum half Adam Turner took a tap and started a passing movement. The final pass went to flanker Alec Balchin who was stopped about two metres out.

The ball was quickly recycled to lock Matt Doughty and from that distance nothing was going to

stop him scoring. Phil Stockley

converted.

The match continued with both sides committed to attacking rugby but neither side could score a try.

On 40 minutes Westbury were again given a penalty. Although a difficult kick Stockley stepped up and landed the points.

The second half again saw good attacking rugby by both teams and Dorchester crossed the Westbury try line but were held up.

Being given the five-metre scrum Dorchester where odds on to score but the Westbury forwards destroyed the opposition scrum, regained the ball and cleared their line.

The half continued with both sides asking and giving no quarter but again neither team could add to the points tally.

Westbury coach Kevin Whelan, who was looking for a good performance from his players after the shambles at Bournemouth, said: "They had all worked hard in training and fully deserved the win."