BRIDPORT 17 WHEATSHEAF C CREW 15

BRIDPORT began their Dorset & Wilts Two South campaign with a narrow home win over newly-promoted Wheatsheaf Cabin Crew.

The match, strewn with mistakes from both teams, ebbed and flowed before the hosts eventually hung on for victory.

Wheatsheaf were put under pressure by the Blues early on but some clever tactical kicking from the visiting outside-half saw Bridport on the back foot.

After conceding several penalties the Blues went 3-0 down midway through the first half and then 8-0 behind following a try from the Wheatsheaf centre.

Bridport’s plight was not helped by them losing two key players to injury before half-time.

Mike Pibworth twisted a knee and captain Tom Gamwell had to leave the field with a neck injury.

However, the changes seemed to spur on the home side and a longrange penalty from Bob Lester- Card and Daragh McLoughlin’s try gave them the lead.

From a scrum on the opposition line, McLoughlin forced himself over with two defenders trying to tackle him. The conversion from Ricky Stubbs gave Bridport a 10-8 lead at the interval.

The second half was almost total dominance from the Blues, but poor passing and decision making saw them struggle to pull clear.

Although their scrum and lineout was more effective, the possession the Blues gained was not used well. Within a 10-minute spell they also missed two straight forward penalties and two easy tries through a poor final pass.

However, it was left to a try from Ricky Middleton under the posts following a three-quarter move that finally proved their dominance.

Lester-Card’s conversion would also prove crucial at the final whistle. Further attacks down the wing from Will Everett and Stubbs were well defended by Wheatsheaf.

Wheatsheaf then kicked downfield and with little cover from the Blues’ defence, a charge down saw the visitors score near the posts.

The conversion brought them to within two points. In a final frantic five minutes, although they were again on the attack, Bridport nearly allowed Wheatsheaf to grab a winning try.

But stout defence and a clearing kick from Nathan Herbert saw the Blues hang on.

At the start of the game a minute’s silence was held in memory of John Osborne, the founding member of the club, and Ruth Warhem, a club vice-president, who both died last week.