Daggers Triumph in Derby Clash

Following the forfeiture of their home game last week due to Dinton sadly withdrawing from the league the Daggers travelled to league leaders Dorchester high in confidence but lacking match practice. This was not misplaced as an excellent team performance saw them to a bonus point 26-14 win.

From the kick off, Bridport pressured Dorchester with both forwards and backs putting in ferocious tackles, and with steady scrummaging and tight line out play the game was played mainly within the Dorchester 22 metre line.

The pressure told with a breakaway run by Harry Richardson resulting in him crossing the line for the first points of the match with Mitch Waters converting.

The Daggers, playing with confidence, kept up the pressure and following a penalty decision in Bridport’s favour they took a quick tap moving the ball along the line and promising young player Andrei Carlin touched down in the corner for his first senior try. Waters narrowly missing the conversion.

Following more pressure Bridport were camped on the Dorchester line and a quick rucked ball allowed Nathan Herbert to cross for a converted try the Blues going in 19-0 at half time.

Dorchester must have received a stern team talk during the break as they came out of the blocks flying at the beginning of the second half. They pressured the Daggers and play swung equally in both halves of the field before some poor tackling by Bridport resulted in a splendid running line by one of the Dorchester’s centres with a kick and chase which was won by Dorchester giving them their first converted try.

A fairly evenly matched second half then ensued and a penalty was awarded to Bridport for a Dorchester hand in the ruck with Water’s attempt narrowly wide.

From the restart strong running by Rob Sullivan gained 40 yards and before being tackled he slipped an excellent pass to Nathan Herbert who off loaded to Tom Gamwell who went over for the converted bonus point try.

With very little time on the clock Bridport took their eye off the ball allowing Dorchester field position on their 5 metre line and from the ensuing line out Dorchester with a good catch and drive drove over for a well converted try.

Returning player Alex Perkin had an excellent all round game and earned himself the Player of the Match award.

Despite the local rivalry the game was played in an excellent spirit and the Blues will take a lot of positivity into their next home match against East Dorset on the 5 th of October.

The clubhouse will also be open for England’s Rugby World Cup game against Argentina from 08:30. This will be followed by Japan v. Samoa at 11:30 with bridport kicking of at 15:00.