Vees nearer to Twickenham

OLD VERULAMIANS did not allow a last-minute change of opposition to knock them out of their stride as the reached the last eight of the NPI Cup and continued towards a final at Twickenham.

With Gloucester Old Boys expelled from the competition for fielding an unregistered player, Dorchester took their opportunity and opened the scoring with a drop goal in the first minute.

Things then went from bad to worse for Vees as, despite Steve Dunham kicking a penalty to level the scores, Dorchester's scrum half went over and after his score was converted and a penalty added, Vees found themselves facing a 13-3 deficit at half-time.

However, within ten minutes of the restart, Vees were back in the game with a try from Paul McCarthy and shortly afterwards, number eight Andy Wakeling powered his way over in a push-over effort to tie the scores.

The game then turned again and Dorchester moved ahead with a drop goal which was equalled with another Dunham penalty.

Vees again found themselves three points behind with 15 minutes to play but then came a superb match-winning try from McCarthy.

Simon French kicked ahead and the Vees' winger outpaced the Dorchester defence to go over.

It looked like he had sealed the win but after Dunham's conversion attempt had hit the post, Dorchester kicked a penalty to go a point ahead.

However, with four minutes remaining, Dunham kicked the decisive penalty to send Vees through to the last eight.

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