By Andrew Wallace Clune.

NDRFC 1^st XV 41 – Blandford 7

NDRFC 2^nd XV 8 – Bradford on Avon 19

North Dorset 1^st XV took on old rivals Blandford at Slaughtergate and rectified their recent slow starts scoring two tries via rolling mauls within ten minutes, both through the front row, the first to tighthead prop David Stickland and the 2^nd through loose head Jamie Bettesworth. Sam Trevis scored in the corner mid-way through 1^st half and the scores would stay the same to the break with North in front 15-0 at half time.

Adam Trevis scored first in second half with Sam Jones adding the extras, however Blandford’s open side flanker Haydn Shafford hit back almost immediately with a scything run to touch down under the sticks and the extras were duly added.  This fired up the home side who swiftly responded with converted tries to Sean Perry and Adam Trevis, before Tom Spinney scored at the close of the game, seeing North Dorset retaining the Badger Cup 41-7.  Ben Parker, Henry Baron and Will Collins all had strong matches, as did Robbie Sampson who enjoyed a return to scrum half, however it was Adam Trevis who received the Gritchie Brewing Company Man of the match for his pair of tries, and proving a constant threat with the ball in hand, whilst Jaime Bettesworth was awarded the John O’Kala Trophy for consistent performance.

The second XV unfortunately lost 19-8 to Bradford on Avon away in a spirited match that saw Ben Stokes score North’s only try, and Kurt Murray added 3 penalty points.  Murray was awarded the Man of the Match in this fixture for some sterling work at fullback throughout the match.