BRIDPORT RFC finally got to play some competitive rugby at the Brewery Ground during their third annual Tens Tournament.

Eight local teams had entered and the Blues kicked off in Pool A on the main pitch against local rivals Puddletown playing 10 minutes each way.

In a scrappy first half they were not able to keep ball in hand and wasted two golden chances of a score. Puddletown on the other hand maximised their chances with two tries, changing round 12-0 ahead.

A much stronger performance in the second half by the Blues saw Andrew Livingston notch a converted try early but they were unable to break down the Puddletown defence.

Next up was Crewkerne and a much stronger all-round performance with an excellent try, breaking from just inside the Crewkerne half by captain Livingston followed by Daragh McLoughlin driving over from close range, giving them a 12-0 victory.

Their final pool match was against the unbeaten Barbarians side, containing a number of ex-Bridport players. They proved too strong for the Blues running in five tries to make the final.

In Pool B, the two strongest sides – Yeovil and first-time winners of the tournament, Blandford – met in an exciting final game with Yeovil edging it 15-10 to reach the final against the Barbarians.

With a large local crowd supporting the Barbarians, Yeovil took an early lead which was soon matched as the Barbarians scored under the posts and the sides changed round after 10 minutes at 7-7.

In the second 10, a well drilled Yeovil side were too strong for the scratch Barbarians scoring two tries to come out 19-7 winners.

Bridport chairman Julian Hussey presented the trophy to the Yeovil captain saying what a great pleasure it was to be able to run the tournament, thanking all the teams and the large number of supporters who turned out and looked forward to Yeovil defending their trophy in 2022.

The occasion ended with a very successful raffle and Rory Greening auctioning several excellent prizes which raised £1,943 for Weldmar Hospice.

Earlier in the week the Blues had a joint training session with Sidmouth who bought a strong Level Six side coached by the Exeter Chiefs players Jack Yeandle and Phil Dolman.

They played two 20-minute halves and the Blues held their own in the loose and set piece but the Sidmouth backs were too strong and fast and were able to readily out pace the Blues’ defence, running in seven tries overall.