Glouc’shire…. 15 Dorset &W…….47

By DAVID ROBINSON

DORSET and Wilts began their campaign in style against a revamped Gloucestershire side, sweeping aside their hosts to claim early ascendancy in Pool 2.

Gus O'Connor got the visitors off and running early on, before Mike Clifton added a brace, Connor Topley joined in the fun and Eoin Baker added a fifth – the all-important bonus-point try secured just before the hour mark.

And the scoreboard continued to tick along at a healthy rate for Dorset and Wilts, Tom Stewart and Sam Baker scoring try numbers six and seven, Baker also contributing six conversions.

Sam Larrimore and Joe Atkins ensured they finished with a flourish against a Gloucestershire group returning to the competition for the first time since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and despite the scoreline, they showed plenty to suggest they will be competitive in upcoming games against Berkshire and Devon.

Richard Planchant's group did get some reward for their enterprise, scoring tries through Old Centralians centre Tom Darby, Lydney's Rowan Mullis and captain Liam Hemming, of Old Centralians.

The result sets up an intriguing pair of fixtures next weekend, when Dorset and Wilts will take on unbeaten Devon with the winner of that contest set to confirm a spot in the semi-finals of the competition.