BRIDPORT 22
FROME II 24
A good number of spectators arrived at Bridport to enjoy a competitive Bridport vs Frome II match.
Both teams did not disappoint and a compelling game unfurled, concluding with a thrilling finale.
It was Frome that got off to a dream start.
A deep kick with a fortunate bounce of the ball, immediately giving Frome territory and the opportunity to score their first try under the posts. A simple conversion giving Frome the lead. 0-7
Conceding this quick score roused the Bridport team, who responded well with some good possession and ball retention.
Working their way into the Frome half, Bridport were awarded a penalty that allowed Cuthbert to pin Frome into the corner.
A secure lineout and some close forward play saw Ollie Edwards snipe around the blindside to get his first senior try. A difficult conversion was missed. 5-7
The following 10 minutes saw some good rugby from both teams.
The deadlock was finally broken by the dangerous Frome No. 8. Rampaging down the wing he ‘bumped’ a few Bridport defenders before being tackled. The subsequent quick ruck gave Frome the space to score out wide. A well taken conversion extended the score to 5-14 at half time.
Bridport were penalised for some dissent, which allowed Frome two chances to extend the lead.
The first penalty was missed off the post, but a well struck long distance penalty extended the Frome lead to 5-17.
Bridport rallied. The not-so-youthful Mcloughlin, playing his 200th match, led the Bridport attack.
Akka scored a typical hooker try from a driving maul and then Walters barrelled his way over to score. Cuthbert converted both tries, putting Bridport into the lead at 19-17.
This time the verbal dissent was from Frome, who were clearly starting to feel the pressure.
A tricky penalty awarded to Bridport gave Cuthbert the opportunity to extend the lead.
A well struck kick turned the screw and Bridport looked good at 22-17, with just 5 minutes to play.
But, despite some good phases from Bridport, it was Frome that was back on the front foot, applying pressure throughout the dying minutes of the game.
This pressure finally resulted in a converted try, driven over from close range, to snatch a thrilling win.
Both well matched teams had contributed to an exciting game, which could have gone either way.
Although a disappointing result, Bridport should take confidence from their performance, especially the way the younger players responded.
Edwards, Akka and Studley all played well and contributed throughout the afternoon.
After 6 games on the trot, Bridport have a welcome week off, giving those older players, Mcloughlin et al, the chance to recover before Bridport play Blandford away on November 21.
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