Match report: Oakmeadians (A)

The Daggers could not repeat their heroics of last week against a strong well organised Oakmeadians side who moved to the top of the league with a 34-3 victory.

Again, unfortunately for the Daggers late withdrawals from the match day squad and on field injuries meant a reorganisation of the back line and full use of all their substitutes. Despite the defeat much heart will be taken from a dominant performance in the scrums, credit due to forwards coach Ross Duncan, which was sadly counterbalanced by an excellent defensive performance from Oakmeadians whose line speed in defence restricted the Daggers to a solitary Jed Gravelle drop goal.

The Daggers were soon under the cosh from the kick off conceding an early penalty giving a line out in their 22. They cleared the ball but excellent attacking play from Oaks gave them an early score and a 5-0 lead.

Bridport could not make any real headway following the kick off and despite a Charlie Samways interception and kick through they were turned over by the Oaks defence conceding a penalty in the 22 which was converted for an 8-0 lead. The game then became very scrappy with the Daggers coming close when from a dominant 5metre scrum they drove to the line only for George Hussey to be held up. Oaks conceded a penalty and Jed Gravelle’s penalty drifted just wide. The drop out was charged down but Oaks kicked the ball out on the full. The line out was lost but again excellent rucking forced a knock on and the forwards after a superb drive from the scrum were again held up by a strong defence.

The half drew to the close with no further scores after Gravelle’s second penalty, conceded in the 22, hit the post and was scrambled clear. Just before the whistle the returning George Hussey suffered another serious injury leaving the field with a potential dislocated collar bone.

The second half started much the same as the first with Oaks making early progress into the Daggers 22 and being held back by good defensive work. When they got the ball Bridport could not make any clean line breaks as the Oaks line speed in defence was excellent and they found themselves conceding two converted tries in quick succession following a yellow card for Gravelle for an offence in a ruck.

The Daggers then enjoyed probably their best period of the match with the forwards dominating the scrums and getting good ball away but as before the Oaks defence held firm and all the Daggers got was the well taken drop goal by Gravelle. However, with more switches of players due to injury and despite the second yellow card of the game to an Oaks player the Daggers defence tired allowing their opponents to score two further tries before the final whistle.

With some missing players returning next week the Daggers will hope for an improved performance in the local derby against Puddletown.