BRIDPORT 39 DORCHESTER 15

BRIDPORT Seconds hosted a Dorchester team made up of second and third XV players in the first match to take place under floodlights at the Brewery Ground.

The previous lights at Bridport’s home ground did not achieve the required standard so, with a partial grant from the RFU, Chris and Ricky Stubbs fitted the new ones in the summer.

The friendly was also part of the programme involving local clubs to promote social, rather than league, rugby.

Young referee Louie Browne officiated the encounter and he was assisted by Michael O’Hagan.

Bridport started strongly and opened the scoring within two minutes, with tries then following at regular intervals.

Scorers included Rob Davies, Anthony Dommett, Jason Kidd and Jamie Livingstone.

It was not all one-sided and Dorchester attacked frequently, their wingers and a very mobile prop threatening the home line, but Bridport’s tackling was robust and they were quick over the ball at the breakdown.

There was some fierce clearing out and overall the performance was worthy of a higher level team.

Dan Down made a welcome return to rugby following an injury lay-off and he penetrated Dorchester’s line to great effect, linking with Livingstone and the nimble Joe Hewetson, his was very much an attacking performance.

Daragh Mcloughlin also returned from concussion and he proved a handful for the oppositions’ back line.

Richie Middleton, Kidd and Toby Hawker linked well and made good ground, while the only negative points to the Bridport game was that some offloads could have been made earlier to use supporting runners and overlaps.

Dorchester were not poor, they had good individual skills, but it was obvious that Bridport were more of a unit and put on a good team performance to win 39-5.

This Saturday sees Bridport’s first XV away to Dorchester Seconds and the Blues’ second string at home to Swanage & Wareham Fourths (both 2.15pm).