Bridport hold on in thrilling 34-28 win versus Oakmedians

There were plenty of supporters out to enjoy Bridport’s first home game.

The weather was good and both teams were determined to continue their winning starts to the season.

From the first whistle, the game was fast and exciting with the referee striking a good balance of discipline and fairness.

Bridport hold on in a thrilling 34-28 win versus Oakmedians (Image: Bridport RFC)

Unfortunately for Bridport, it was Oakmedians who took the lead through an intercepted pass from a good Bridport attack.

Herbert, trying to release his winger through a looping pass, gave the Oakmedians winger the opportunity to snatch the ball away and run the length of the pitch to score.

0-7

Despite this initial setback, Bridport quickly responded, with a solo effort by Cuthbert.

Outwitting the Oakmedians rush defence, Cuthbert chipped and gathered his own kick to score under the posts.

An easy conversion for the scorer, levelling the score at 7-7.

From here, Bridport started to dominate all aspects of play.

Martin, Mason and Cornick carried hard into the Oaks defence, creating space for Cuthbert to orchestrate his backs and get them on the front foot.

The next try came from a well-directed cross-field kick from Cuthbert, which was gathered by Vercoe to score on the wing.

A good conversion gave Bridport a well-deserved 14-7 lead.

Unfortunately, Bridport then incurred some injuries, with both Herbert and Cuthbert having to leave the field.

Petchey, coming on for Cuthbert, immediately put Oaks under pressure from a deep kick which resulted in a penalty opportunity that he kicked to extend the Bridport lead.

17-7

From the following Oaks kick-off, Brook gathering the ball and charged down the wing, breaking a series of tackles to then feed the supporting Studley who "raced" in to score Bridport’s third try that was well converted by Petchey to leave the half-time score at 24-7.

Bridport started the second half with a well worked try from the forwards, driving over from a line out.

Martin, who had an influence on the game throughout, came up from the tangle of bodies with a well-deserved try.

The difficult conversion was missed and Bridport led 29-7.

With more injuries to the Bridport side, it was Oakmedians who then started their determined comeback.

With each try, Oaks gained more momentum, scoring three unanswered tries to bring the score back to a nervous 29-28.

It is times like these that you need a wise old head, and thankfully Bridport have their captain McCloughlin, who led from the front.

With his determination and support from Appleton Scott and Cornick, Bridport were able to stem the Oakmedians tide.

A penalty kick deep into the Oaks half gave Bridport the platform to catch and drive over the line for the decisive unconverted try scored by Akka.

34-28

With injuries throughout the game, Bridport were left with just 14 players to see out a nervy final 5 minutes of the game.

The final whistle came at last, and Bridport were able to celebrate a rare win over a strong Oakmedians side.

A great game, although we hope the injuries are not too serious and the coming week allows some recovery for the next away game at Wheatsheaf Cabin Crew in Salisbury.