WIMBORNE SECONDS 38

BRIDPORT 0

A SLOPPY first five minutes from Bridport Rugby Club allowed Wimborne Seconds to score two early tries before going on and dominating their Tribute Dorset & Wilts South One league clash 38-0.

For the ninth game in a row, the Blues had a completely new backline combination.

The home team’s first two tries showed the weakness of having a new backline, as Bridport miscommunication allowed the Wimborne winger to score two identical tries in quick succession.

Now 14 points down, visitors Bridport began to play more of the better rugby as they slowly grew into the game.

Bridport full-back Harrison Crane looked lively and dangerous every time he got the ball in his hands, while back row Will Murley once again led the team’s defensive effort.

Then, in the last minutes of the first half, Wimborne scored another two tries to kill the game. The first was a converted score following a break from the halfway line.

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The second came from a hard carry straight through the Bridport defence after the Blues had conceded continuing penalties.

Wimborne’ try was converted and when the referee blew his whistle for half-time the home team were winning 26-0.

Bridport continued to improve in the second half, beginning to build the tempo and worry Wimborne’s defence.

Back starting for the Blues, number eight Pete Phillips kept making like breaks and even broke one of his front teeth for his efforts.

Despite the fight, Bridport lost the second half by a further 12 points with the game finishing 38-0.

“This result hurts for all the boys,” Bridport captain Andrew Livingston said after the game.

“We were targeting this game for our first away win of the season, but more injuries have once again hampered us.

“This isn’t the result that we were looking for and I think if we are honest with ourselves it is our worst performance of the season.

“Although we weren’t 100 per cent, I can’t fault the fight, effort and determination of all lads. They’ve all travelled a long way to play and put their bodies on the line for their club and for that I couldn’t be prouder.”

On Saturday the Blues host Oakmeadians at the Brewery Ground, with the return of both Mitch Waters and Sam Petchey from injury bolstering the backs.