DORCHESTER 45

BRIDPORT 0

DORCHESTER had to overcome difficult conditions and a very spirited Bridport side in their Dorset and Wilts One South encounter before recording yet another bonus point victory, winning 45-0.

After a morning of continuous rain, the pitch was in remarkably good condition and by kick-off all the standing water had drained away but handling was problematical for both sides all afternoon.

The hosts started brightly but Bridport were well-organised in defence and brave in the tackle. It was no surprise however when leading try scorer James Baker crossed for the opening score.

The visitors continued to frustrate Dorchester and it was into the second quarter before they extended their lead, skipper Adam Makepeace twisting over from close range.

Bridport then had their best period of the game as some ill discipline from Dorchester gifted them field position.

Dorchester's defence held firm and having cleared their lines they added two further tries, both scored by centre Callum King. James Baker converted all four tries giving Dorchester a comfortable 28-0 lead at the break.

The second half was a battle of attrition with both sides doing their best to play rugby but hampered by the conditions.

Dorchester continued to dominate but Bridport's determined defence restricted them to just three more tries. After having a try chalked off for a forward pass James Newsam was up in support to score under posts.

James Baker scored the sixth before the match ended as it started with the same player crossing for his third try of the day, his 28th of the season and his 100th in a Dorchester shirt.

During the game Bridport lost a player to a red card, whilst Dorchester went down to 14 men near the end of the game with a player sin binned.

n Dorchester’s Copper Street Costa Coffee Man of the Match was awarded to George Foot.

The coaching team will review the game with the team prior to training on Tuesday and look to build momentum heading into the Southern Counties Vase semi final against Tadley on February 10.

But before that game there is the small matter of the Ridgeway Rumble part two as Dorchester visit Weymouth & Portland RFC in the league next Saturday.

Weymouth are without a win since the middle of December and will look to avenge their defeat at Coburg Road in the reverse fixture.

n Travelling away to play Blandford, Dorchester’s A XV came away winners racking up the points in a 70-12 win against the home side. Captain Rob Parker was rightly proud of his team, awarding their man-of-the-match to newcomer Mark Picton.