'One way traffic' as final score Yeovil 45 Bridport 18

Bridport’s Halloween Nightmare

Now with 5 wins on the bounce and travelling away with a strong side, Bridport was focused on making it six wins, although they knew that the experienced and strong Yeovil side would be another tough challenge.

The weather was remarkably different to the stormy affair against Wimborne and the spectators looked forward to expansive and fast rugby.

Yeovil 45 Bridport 18 (Image: Unsplash)

They weren’t disappointed as both teams were keen on starting strongly.

Bridport’s team were clearly the stronger forwards, but the Yeovil backs were a well-drilled and attacking force.

It was Bridport that opened the scoring.

A clean lineout, with some strong runs into the Yeovil defence, created just enough space for Cuthbert to wriggle himself over the line.

The simple conversion by Waite gave Bridport the lead.

0-7

This was followed up by an excellent penalty by Waite.

0-10

It was then Yeovil’s turn to take control.

Using the slope of the pitch cleverly, Yeovil responded with a similar try, securing their lineout and then driving into Bridport’s centres, stressing their defence with some strong direct running.

The inevitable try came under the posts, with Yeovil pegging the score back to 7-10.

Yeovil quickly identified the fragility of Bridport’s defence.

There were some heroic tackles by Cuthbert, unusual for a fly-half, but the combination of Yeovil’s centres and their influential full back gave Yeovil their second converted try.

14-10

Showing character, Bridport responded with firstly another good Waite penalty and then a try.

A penalty kick to the corner and some good retention at the rucks saw a try for Robertson, who in his usual style crashed over from close range.

Unfortunately, the conversion was missed, taking the score to 14-18.

In this end-to-end first half, it was Yeovil that had the last word.

A misdirected kick out on the full gave Yeovil a lineout deep in the Bridport half.

A good catch and some swift hands, again influenced by the Yeovil full back, gave Yeovil an unconverted try just before the break.

19-18

Whatever was said at half time galvanised the Yeovil team.

They started strongly with a well-worked try, again their centre and full back working together to score under the posts.

26-18

It was then just one way Yeovil traffic.

Yeovil scoring a further unanswered 19 points to leave the final score 45-18.

The deeper into the game Yeovil got, the greater their confidence and understanding of Bridport’s weaknesses became apparent.

There were notable performances by the forwards Appleton Scott and man of the match Robertson, and the evergreen McCloughlin put in another big shift, leading from the front as always.

But for once, the speed and skills of the Bridport backs were left chasing shadows and being bullied by the experienced Yeovil backs, who were outstanding throughout the afternoon.

Next week it’s Frome at home.

Another tough fixture, where the team will need to bounce back and get back into winning ways.

A big home support would be appreciated!