BRIDPORT 27 FROME SECONDS 7

THE Blues ended their campaign in style and gave Tony Herbert the perfect send off in the hooker’s last match for the club following an incredible 28 seasons playing for the side.

With Herbert playing alongside his son, Nathan, Bridport eased past Frome with some stunning breakaway tries to finish the season eighth in Dorset & Wilts One South.

Bridport drew first blood after five minutes, with Will Haggerty crossing the line having seized a fumbled pass by the visitors on halfway.

A lost line-out then saw Bridport give away possession and territory as Frome drove hard into the home side’s 22.

However, an up-and-under was well caught by Harry Clarke and he returned it with interest, taking it all the way to the Frome try-line.

Frome began to apply pressure again but the Blues reacted with some strong tackling, forcing their opponents to concede a penalty which was kicked by Rory Greening.

Facing a 15-0 deficit as the second half got under way, Frome piled forward and advanced to the Bridport line.

But, again, the visitors could do nothing to stop a spectacular breakaway from the Blues, with flawless distribution setting up Rob Parker to dive over. The try was converted.

Some poor discipline from the visitors saw tempers rise and on another day they might have seen someone sent to the sin bin.

Bridport extended their lead with a bonus-point try coming from Dan Down, though Frome finally managed to get some points on the board just before the final whistle with a converted score.

Before Saturday’s game, a minute’s silence was held in memory of Trevor Matthews, a past player and former vice-president who was a well-loved member of the club.

Palmer’s Wine Store man of the match: Daraigh Mcloughlin

  • Bridport will go on tour to Shanklin on the Isle of Wight on April 25 – Shanklin RFC have toured Bridport on two previous occasions.
  • On May 9, Bridport RFC host their annual dinner with BBC commentator and ex-Scotland international Ian Robertson as the guest speaker.