OAKMEADIANS 57

BRIDPORT 5

A DEPLETED Bridport side once again came up short with their defence unable to keep out Oakmeadians’ strong running backs in a 57-5 Wadworth 6X Dorset & Wilts One South defeat.

The Blues started strongly and their set piece kept the home side under pressure but they were unable to make a breakthrough.

Oaks absorbed the early pressure and where soon on the scoreboard with two well-taken tries as their backs spun the ball down the line and went over in corner, both of which were unconverted for a 10-0 lead.

Bridport responded well and Charlie Crane went over for an unconverted try to halve the deficit. The visitors defended well against the stronger side but were unable to stop Oaks scoring two further tries just before half-time, going in at the break 25-5 down.

From the kick-off poor defence let Oaks in for an early score but the Blues almost pulled a try back when Daragh McLoughlin intercepted a loose Oaks pass but was brought down just short.

As the Blues tired the Oaks’ backs showed their pace and power and were able to open up the space out wide to run in five more tries.

With North Dorset withdrawing from the league and both Puddletown and Salisbury getting unexpected victories against higher placed sides, the Blues are now bottom of the league, three points adrift of Salisbury.

Bridport face both these sides at home before Christmas in what will be very crucial games.

The Blues are next in action after the scheduled cup bye weekend when hosting Puddletown at the Brewery Ground on Saturday, December 1.

A trip to Sherborne Seconds then follows before another crucial challenge against Salisbury Seconds at home on December 15.