WARMINSTER got back to winning ways after two successive defeats in a pulsating clash against East Dorset as the Amber and Blues fought back from 30-10 down to triumph 34-30.

With a host of players missing, Warminster took to the field with what were essentially the only men available.

With the strong breeze at their back, it was no surprise that East Dorset took advantage from the off. After just a couple of minutes the visitors took the lead, capitalising on poor missed tackles. From the ensuing ruck, the ball was recycled and they crashed over in the corner.

Dorset continued their dominance, adding a penalty to their tally, before a second try came soon after.

When Warminster did finally get the ball, they managed to reduce the deficit. Shipping the ball wide, the Amber and Blues created an overlap which Sam Goldup finished from 20m. Scrum-half Gavin Pratt missed the difficult conversion.

The game continued to ebb and flow, with Dorset adding a third try.

As the half wore on, the home side slowly began to gain some continuity and the scrum again proved too strong for its opposition.

Warminster thought they had added their second try when first-team debutant Andy Liggins raced to the line but he was called back as the referee adjudged the final pass to be forward.

But they were not thwarted for long and the Amber and Blues did cross the line for a second time when centre Kieran Chester showed a good turn of pace to go over in the corner. Pratt again missed the conversion as Warminster trailed 18-10 at half-time.

The hosts suffered an early setback after the restart, conceding within a minute of the kick off. Prop Steve Rowbotham allowed the ball to bounce and Dorset pounced to go over for their bonus point score.

Warminster’s woes continued when Dorset added a fifth try to their tally.

However, what happened in the next 30 minutes can only be described as Roy of the Rovers stuff. The hosts rolled up their sleeves and hit Dorset with wave after wave of attack.

Lock Matty Akers started the fightback, sprinting to the line.

The Amber and Blues continued to pile on the pressure and secured their own fourth try bonus point through winger Dan Harris, who finished well in the corner.

Ollie Pinnell then created a second try for Chester, with Pratt adding a conversion to bring the score to 30-27.

With just three minutes to go, the ball found its way to fly-half Ed Read and, with a deft show and go, he spotted a gap and sprinted clear to the line to grab what had seemed an impossible win.