BRIDPORT XV 31 WEYMOUTH XV 33

WEYMOUTH just got the better of hosts Bridport in a memorial game remembering the late Gary Hayward, who sadly passed away last year.

Hayward played for both clubs during his rugby career and was known for his fearless and tenacious approach to the sport.

The two rivals came together at Brewery Fields and produced a game that Hayward would have been proud of.

His family was among more than 150 people who turned out to watch the encounter with over 40 players getting a run out.

Both starting line-ups included as many men that Hayward used to play alongside as possible – some had to be given a bit of gentle persuasion to dust off their boots and stretch a few aching joints.

Some of the ‘veterans’ inevitably had to give way to the younger players but everyone gave a good account of themselves on the day.

And a gratifying moment, particularly for Hayward’s family, was when his brother Steve, who was playing full back for Bridport, cut through the Weymouth defence to score a fine try.

Bridport were 19-5 up at half-time but things changed when they loaned their opponents a couple of the more youthful players to cover a few older ones that were struggling.

Jasper Mowatt, Donald Farmer and Rory Greening switched sides and, using the slope to their advantage in the second half, Weymouth fought back to win with a last-minute conversion.

No-one was too bothered about the final score and the sore bodies were soothed afterwards courtesy of cases of lager and cider generously provided by the Hayward family.

Proceeds from a raffle and sale of refreshments allowed the club to present the Hayward family with a donation to the charity of their choice.