WIMBORNE completed a sensational second-half comeback to secure county cup progress with a 37-14 home success over North Dorset.

The Minstermen eventually got through the Dorset & Wilts Cup first-round tie despite shipping two converted tries during a sluggish opening 40 minutes at Leigh Park.

North Dorset began brightly and made the most of some ineffective tackling to force home the first effort of the afternoon during the opening exchanges.

With little flow to the game, Wimborne conceded a number of needless penalties and lost vital territory as a result.

Midway through the first half, Matt Christopher was sin-binned for the hosts and while his team-mates held firm during the 10-minute sabbatical, the men from Gillingham deservedly got over the line for a second time soon after.

But after North Dorset's Paul Roberts had been sin-binned, a rare moment of quality proved pivotal before the break. A slick passing move ended with fleet-footed winger Joe Bartlett diving over to reduce the arrears to 14-5.

From there, Wimborne were dominant with James Mikolajewski landing two penalties before a third kick set up the home side's crucial second try with an hour played.

Second-row Dan Wale touched down and Wimborne's backs were now in full flow. Bartlett added his second before embarking on a mazy run to set up the first of two late tries for Mikolajewski.

Wimborne return to Southern Counties South action with a trip to Frome on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Swanage & Wareham’s 100 per cent winning record remained intact as they secured progress in the Dorset & Wilts Cup.

Swanage negotiated a safe path through to the second round without even kicking off their scheduled home clash with Dorchester.

Dorchester pulled out of the fixture – and therefore the competition – due to a lack of front row cover.

Swans are top of Southern Counties South after three games thanks to their superior points difference over Wimborne.

The Bestwall outfit travel to North Dorset on Saturday.