BRIDPORT 32

PUDDLETOWN 13

BRIDPORT’S win against Puddletown came at a cost as fly-half Ricky Stubbs received an injury that looks to have put him out for the rest of the season, writes Andrew Livingstone.

News of x-rays after the 32-13 win confirmed that Stubbs had dislocated his elbow and was feeling the pain.

He said: “Gutted is an understatement to how I feel. But you never know, if it heals quickly, I might be back.”

During the game, six tries were run over by the Bridport team in an open match that was well watched by representatives from the club’s sponsors.

Lee Burdett and Rich Pearce in turn scored early tries to put Bridport ahead before the visitors had any reply.

A David Cutting cover tackle looked to prevent Puddletown scoring, however the ball popped up to a black shirt five metres out and the visitors had their first try.

The Blues then looked to pull away as Stubbs went over for his fifth try in three games. With a quick dummy, he curved his run between two of the opposition’s back line and went over under the posts. However, this was the 30-year-old’s last contribution before the injury to his arm sent him to hospital for x-rays.

Fortunately, this week’s squad of 22 players allowed for substitution and the home team continued to apply the pressure to struggling Puddletown as they drew closer to the interval.

Cutting scored on the stroke of half-time as quick hands from Nathan Herbert left the visiting full-back open, to give Bridport the four-try bonus point.

The second half led to a more open game as long periods of play resulted in tired, sloppy mistakes.

Tries from both Mitch Waters and Nathan Herbert put the game out of reach of the visitors, who could only score one try and a penalty in the second half to give Bridport a convincing 32-13 win.

The Blues currently sit fourth in the league and travel to face Ellingham & Ringwood Seconds on Saturday, who currently sit one point above them.