COUNTY RUGBY: DORSET and Wilts Under 20s opened their Tetley's National County Championship campaign with a deserved 34-11 over Berkshire at Bournemouth.
They opened the scoring after just five minutes with a brilliant individual try from Bournemouth's Mike Marsh, converted by Matt Wells (Bournemouth).
But pressure by Berkshire saw the Twin Counties go over the top at a ruck which resulted in a penalty converted by Chris Dennison.
But Dorset and Wilts then started to take control and tries by Andy Chump (Gloucester) and Kevin Gough (Newbury) put them in a commanding position, Wells converting one.
An offside decision against the Twin Counties saw Dennison reduce the deficit with another penalty.
Towards the end of the first half Berkshire were caught offside at the ruck. Wells stepped up to add another three points for Dorset and Wilts which gave them a 22-6 lead.
The second half started with Berkshire showing more determination and they deservedly scored a try in the corner.
This seemed to stun Dorset and Wilts and their response was remarkable.
For long periods Twin Counties were camped in the Berkshire 22.
Marshalled by the back three of Smith (Wootton Bassett), Davies (Bournemouth) and Church (Loughborough) they just could not turn pressure into points. Eventually, quick ball from Marsh saw Wells and then Clarke (Supermarine) score tries, Wells adding a conversion.
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