BRIDPORT 45 BOURNEMOUTH III 5

WHEN Bridport travelled to Bournemouth back in November they did so with only 13 men and suffered a 55-7 defeat as a result.

Bournemouth brought the same number to the Brewery Field and, despite competing strongly, went down in similar fashion.

The Blues started very confidently and a strong run from Ollie Everitt gained valuable ground.

Dave Cutting then mopped up the loose ball to score the opening try of the game, though Rory Greening, back on kicking duty, was unable to add the conversion.

Shortly afterwards, another storming move with some sharp handling left Rob Sullivan the simple task of touching down. Greening did add the two points on this occasion.

Despite the visitors conceding numerous penalties, Bridport failed to capitalise on their positive start, making unforced errors and allowing Bournemouth back into the game with a try of their own.

The hosts were able to add one more try before half-time, Cutting offloading to Daragh McLoughlin to score under the posts. Greening kicked an easy conversion.

Bournemouth continued to exert pressure in the second half but Bridport now had a stiff breeze at their backs and enjoyed more success with their kicking game.

Ollie Everitt burrowed over for the first try of the second half. Greening again converted.

A loose defensive kick from a back-peddling Bournemouth landed in Jack Baldwin’s hands and he proved too quick for his marker, scoring to extend the hosts’ lead.

Ewan Dommett then scored a well-earned try from a strong Bridport scrum. Both conversions were tricky kicks but they proved no problem for Greening.

Finally, a testing up-and-under from fly-half Will Everitt was well gathered by Lee Burdett and he offloaded to Dommett for his second try.

The kick was missed as the final score stayed at 45-5.

Bridport stay eighth in the Dorset & Wilts Two South table but are now only two points behind Dorchester Seconds and four adrift of last weekend’s opponents.

A trip to Puddletown lies in store for Bridport this Saturday, and if that game is anything like the one between the sides earlier this season then the supporters will be in for a quiet afternoon – Bridport beat the Villagers 3-0 back in November.

Puddletown beat North Dorset Thirds 41-26 last time out to cement fourth place in the standings.