PUDDLETOWN 8 BRIDPORT 22

A THIRD win on the trot for Bridport set them up nicely for a home derby with Dorchester Seconds a week on Saturday.

Dorchester lie one place and three points above the Blues in Dorset & Wilts Two South, though that could change if Bridport reproduce the form they found against them back in December.

They were not so fluent against Puddletown but still managed to fashion a reasonably convincing result on the back of some excellent lineout work and a dominant scrum, especially in the first half.

Under pressure from the kick-off, the hosts conceded an early penalty which was converted by Rory Greening.

A strong drive from Bridport’s scrum then set up what proved to be the best move of the game.

The ball moved swiftly through the hands of the backs, ending up with winger Jack Baldwin who scored in the corner. Greening’s kick fell just short.

This bright start faltered somewhat as Puddletown hit back to score what proved to be their only try of the afternoon.

Using the strong breeze and kicking long, they put Bridport’s full-back under pressure and his clearance went straight to the Villagers’ quick winger who raced in for a try in the corner. The conversion was missed.

There followed an edgy period where Bridport were unable to capitalise on their superiority at the set-piece.

Finally, Ricky Stubbs was first to a loose ball and his perfectly weighted grubber kick bounced back into his own hands for a clear run to the line. Greening added the two points.

Puddletown scored three more points in the second half but the visitors had the final say as Mike Pibworth peeled off the back of a scrum to burrow over. Greening nailed a tricky conversion.

After an indifferent run of form, which saw them lose to Salisbury Seconds, Swanage & Wareham Seconds and Weymouth & Portland in succession, Bridport seem to have hit a purple patch.

Last Saturday’s triumph against Puddletown followed wins against Ellingham & Ringwood Seconds and Bournemouth Thirds.

The Blues now have three matches left this season, starting with that Dorchester contest.

They then go to East Dorset a week later before hosting New Milton Seconds on Saturday, April 18.