Blues caught cold in North Dorset (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)

Blues caught cold in North Dorset

8:54am Wednesday 4th April 2012 in Sport By Ky Capel

NORTH DORSET II 12 Bridport 10

A SLUGGISH start proved to be Bridport’s downfall as they suffered a narrow defeat at North Dorset Seconds.

Having enjoyed a comfortable 41-7 victory when their opponents visited Brewery Field in mid-December, the Blues were confident of completing the double heading into Saturday’s clash.

But a poor opening from the visitors allowed North Dorset to open up a 12-0 lead at the break.

Mark Botten’s troops awoke from their slumber and fought back with second-half tries from Daniel Watts and George Sparks.

But neither score was converted and despite a late rally, the Blues were unable to complete the comeback.

Head coach Botten said: “We just did not get started at all for the first 25 minutes and by then they had scored two tries, one converted.

“We were 12-0 down at half-time and we went away from our game plan. We tried to match them up front and it became a dogfight, which is not what we wanted. We tightened things up in the second half and scored a couple of tries and were then held up over the line twice, which could have resulted in another 10 points.

“It was a frustrating day all-round really. It was one I was fairly confident of winning but we didn’t play well and it was a lot tighter than I hoped.

“At least we came away with a losing bonus point, which keeps us ahead of Ivel Barbarians. With the restructuring rumours that are going around, we need to finish above them to guarantee staying where we are.”

Bridport are without a fixture this weekend so their final match of the Dorset & Wilts One South campaign, at home to rock-bottom Ellingham & Ringwood, takes place on Saturday, April 14.