DORSET Dockers wrote another chapter in the rugby union record books when they were involved in a rarely-seen 0-0 draw on Saturday.

An absorbing contest at Potterne Park between Dockers second team and Bournemouth fourths saw the Dorset & Wilts Three South clash end in stalemate.

Just 20 months ago, Dockers had made history at the Verwood venue when they set a new British record for the biggest victory after defeating Dorchester seconds 212-0.

Although detailed statistics at club level are hard to come by, the last scoreless international took place between Scotland and New Zealand at Murrayfield some 41 years ago.

It has happened only 19 times at international level – the first occasion being in 1873 – while records indicate there has not been a 0-0 draw nationally since rugby union became an open professional sport in 1995.

Dockers vice-captain Joe Day told the Daily Echo: “We shook hands at the end of the game and everybody was in disbelief at the scoreline!

“I started playing rugby when I was five and have been playing senior rugby for 15 years and have never been involved in a 0-0 draw.

“There were guys in the Bournemouth team who have been playing a lot longer than me and they said they hadn’t either.

“Despite the absence of points, it was one of the better games I had played in at this level. It was fairly even although we had to defend harder than Bournemouth.

“They pressed us in the closing stages but we managed to hold on. They had more pressure but we counter-attacked quite well.

“We didn’t have any kicking opportunities throughout the game but they missed a couple of tough penalties.”

Dockers, who drew 14-14 with Lytchett Minster last month, are currently third in Dorset & Wilts Three South, while Bournemouth are sixth.

Bournemouth captain Simon Carkeet said: “The conditions were brilliant for rugby and it was an end-to-end game but neither team could get the ball over the line or posts.

“It was the first 0-0 draw I had been involved in and I think that went for all the other players. It was certainly unusual and there was some amazing defending from both teams.

“We had the ball over the line at one stage but, unfortunately for us and fortunately for them, it was deemed to have been held up. That was the only real chance for a try.

“I would like to say the ball had been grounded but the referee is in charge and you have to accept his decision.

“We also had two penalties, including one with the last kick of the game, but they were both on the wrong side of the pitch and due to the wind and weather conditions we didn’t manage to convert either of them.

“Both teams did their utmost to put some points on the board but ultimately it was a victory for excellent defending!”