Wilson breaks leg as Blues fall at final hurdle

12:01pm Tuesday 29th April 2008

ED Wilson's sickening injury overshadowed Bridport's narrow defeat to Minety, who gained promotion to Southern Counties South at the expense of the west Dorset club.

The Bridport prop broke his leg in two places after falling awkwardly when lunging for the try line, and the play-off was subsequently delayed by more than an hour for him to receive treatment.

The visitors appeared distressed by Wilson's condition and despite dominating for large periods of the contest they failed to cross the whitewash and conceded the decisive try with 20 minutes remaining.

Incredulous boss Paul Ninnim was deflated at the final whistle having watched his side do everything but win.

We dominated the entire match and to be honest I can't believe we haven't won it,'' he said.

I think the injury played a big factor because when the match restarted the players just seemed to lack something.

If we were beaten by a better side it would be easier to take but there was only ever going to be one winner and I thought that was us.'' Minety survived the initial onslaught from their confident opponents before Wilson's horrific injury soured proceedings, but the Blues continued to look dangerous, especially when the ball was played out wide.

There was no way through the resolute Wiltshire side however, and the galling sucker punch arrived after 70 minutes when Ryan Dowling intercepted a wayward pass and ran 40 metres to record a try, which was successfully converted.

Minety's seven-point lead proved insurmountable as Bridport failed to ignite a comeback and subsided to their first defeat since February.

Although Ninnim was disappointed not to have triumphed, he reflected on a successful season with an improving young side.

He said: I think it was only some of our decision making that cost us, but we've done pretty well this year.

We are a very inexperienced side and perhaps a few older heads would have made a difference.

The talent around is obvious though and if we can keep progressing we'll be a force to be reckoned with next season''