LYTCHETT MINSTER 17

BRIDPORT 25

BRIDPORT collected an important 25-17 victory over Lytchett Minster in their bottom-of-the-table Dorset & Wilts One South.

Although at times fragile in defence with some poor tackling, their attacking prowess proved too much for the home side.

Freddie Woolner had a superb defensive game at full-back, combining great running and tactical kicking with two tries.

Bridport started slowly and were put under pressure by Lytchett, who scored the first try after 10 minutes.

From kick-off they were again under pressure but in gaining turnover ball and penalties to clear their lines, Bridport scored under the posts through Mitch Waters, with Rich Lazell converting.

Although they were under pressure in the scrums they were gaining good possession from line-outs where Micky Pibworth and James Griffen were dominating.

Players playing out of position were making a mark with Lazell having a good game at scrum-half and strong running from Seb Phillips on the wing put Bridport in a position for Woolner to score under the posts, with Lazell again converting.

Lazell then followed up with a penalty for a high tackle to give the Blues a 17-5 lead.

This should have been a good half-time lead, but poor cover and tackling allowed Lytchett to score in the corner to reduce the lead to 17-10.

Bridport then lost Tristan Brooks with a bad cut but the rearranged side were gaining control of the game.

Pibworth’s break took the game into Lytchett’s 22 and from the line-out an interchange with Waters enabled Woolner to run round the blind side and score.

Further attacking moves nearly produced a fourth bonus point try but Lytchett conceded a penalty for a yellow card offence, which Lazell again converted for a 25-10 lead.

With the game virtually won, Lytchett had Bridport on the defensive in the last five minutes and managed to score once more with a converted try.

This win has moved Bridport up to eighth in the league above New Milton who they play next at home on Saturday, March 3 after the upcoming reserve week.

* The Brewery Ground clubhouse is open for the Six Nations matches this weekend.