BRIDPORT 14

OAKMEADIANS 31

BRIDPORT’S relegation crisis deepened with a seventh-straight Wadworth 6X Dorset & Wilts One South loss as Oakmeadians ran out 31-14 victors at the Brewery Ground.

In a poor game spoiled by constant stoppages and injuries, with the second half lasting almost an hour, the Blues put in a spirited performance against the third-placed Oaks but are 12 points adrift of safety with five games remaining.

Oaks kicked off with a strong wind at their backs only to concede an early penalty. Bridport’s Mitch Waters took it quickly with Nathan Herbert driving into the away 22 but was forced into touch.

Oaks cleared their lines from the throw-in and with backs running good angles soon threatened the Blues’ line.

Good defence kept Oaks out until a turnover scrum on halfway let the visitors’ backs run into the corner for a converted try and a 7-0 lead.

Oakmeadians were soon back on the scoresheet with the backs again proving too strong for the Blues’ defence.

Battling away, Bridport then enjoyed the best period of the game with a series of forward drives just being held up and Herbert just short in touch once more after good handling by the backs.

However, as has happened so often this season the Blues let the Oaks break away to claim a third try and go in 21-0 up at half-time.

The second half was changed early on with uncontested scrums and marred by several stoppages for injuries.

Bridport had the better of the ball but again after a series of drives were unable to get over the line and against the run of play Oaks broke out and scored a fourth try.

Oakmeadians added a fifth score before the Blues finally got what they deserved with Harrison Crane scoring in the corner.

Crane’s try was set up after a scorching break from his own 22 by Ricky Stubbs, sadly showing what the club has been missing from his absence.

Stubbs then almost made it to the line himself but swift follow up at the breakdown allowed Herbert to flick it out to his father, veteran prop Tony to go over in the corner with Rich Pierce converting both tries for a more respectable look to the scoreline.

Bridport visit fellow strugglers Puddletown on Saturday in a crunch clash.

n Bridport host the West Dorset Schools Tag Festival on Saturday, March 9 at the Brewery Ground (9.30am).