The Dolphins were under no illusion that the management and coaching expected them to raise their game after the previous disappointment at Chobham. Initially it looked like they would struggle against the very physical pack that Wimborne have and used well to get the first score. However, after going down 0-7 the Dolphins pack, in particular the front row of Cam Boa, Armandus Morgan and Will Maxfield fronted up and Wimborne knew they weren't going to bully their way through the game. It took 10 minutes of Dolphins pressure before Lock Will Butterwick crashed over. Chris Buckett kicked the conversion and starting off another 100% day from the boot, 7-7. Then the Dolphins backs got into the scoring with tries from the centre pairing of Liam Charlson and George Pooley. Wimborne's only response a penalty, 21-17. Wimborne weren't giving up and scored a try which Dolphins immediately responded to with one of their own from Winger James Wise, 28-17 as half time whistle went. A good introduction to the side for Seb Burgess at lock, with the back row of Fin Daly, Will Double and Mike Bakare working hard to keep Dolphins solid in defence and going forward in attack.
The second half started tensely and Dolphins used their bench as their back row was disrupted by the loss of Finlay Daly and Will Double to injury bring Rich Neil and Henrie Thorne on; Dylan Baptiste replaced James Wise. Rich Neil promptly scored, 35-17, but 8 mins later got a Yellow Card and Wimborne were ruthless to exploit their advantage scoring 2 quick tries that they couldn't convert, 35-27. Dolphins weren't quite moving with the freedom they had had in first half, Captain Rory Penfolds counter attacks weren't breaking the defensive line but were pinning Wimborne back. Chris steadied the ship with a penalty to establish an 11 point lead, 38-27. In a tense 14 minutes Wimborne scored but again couldn't convert, 38-32. Dolphins held out for the last 5 minutes to take a win based on their 1st half attacking performance based on a major contribution from the Jake Hewett and Dillon Worsley half back pairing. It was the boot of Chris Buckett that made the difference with 5 from 5 on conversions.
A weeks break and then off to Twickenham looking for a win on the road against an improving team. Let's hope it is another high scoring game, but not for both sides like their last meeting where Dolphins ran out 55-50 winners!
Still 30 points to play for in the remaining 6 matches and Dolphins sit 40 points above bottom place and 20 above the play-offs with 3 of the sides below them to play. Sitting in 7th they also have more opportunities to turn over sides above them with games against 1st, 3rd and 6th to come.