Match report: North Dorset II (H)

The season officially got underway for Bridport Daggers falling short 11-42 against North Dorset II in Counties Two Tribute Dorset & Wilts South.

Playing their first league game of the season at home, Daggers fell behind in the opening stages as the power of North Dorset’s pack came through. North Dorset’s tighthead prop opened the scoring, which was converted by their scrum half.

Daggers fought their way back into the game, making their way up the field with some good attacking shape. A sustained period of pressure in the North Dorset half led to Sam Petchey taking the first opportunity to go for goal and succeeded in his first penalty kick of the season.

Daggers’ defence held firm for the remainder of the first half and once again, good build up play and indiscipline from North Dorset provided Sam Petchey with another opportunity. Despite the building winds, Petchey’s penalty was successful and closed the gap to just one point.

Towards the latter stages of the half, Daggers had a chance to take the lead, however Petchey’s penalty attempt hit the uprights and North Dorset were able to gather and clear their lines, as the half came to a close.

After the break, North Dorset reverted to their power game and following some strong set piece work, the tighthead prop went over, followed closely by a try to the North Dorset fly half. Both tries were once again converted by the North Dorset scrum half.

Daggers then began to build some phases and find holes within the North Dorset defence. Some excellent handling and decision-making from Rory Greening put Liam Poole over in the corner. The conversion was unsuccessful, however Daggers appeared to have found some energy, with the game’s man of the match Pete Phillips showing up well in attack and defence for the Daggers.

Unfortunately, following some good patterns of play, North Dorset held firm in defence and, following a turnover, the North Dorset hooker found himself in a position to power over for the try, which was converted.

Following a couple of untimely injuries to Daggers’ players and having fought fiercely, the quality of the opposition showed through as the North Dorset left winger grabbed a brace of tries in the dying moment of the game. In the face of very challenging conditions, the North Dorset scrum half kept a one-hundred percent accuracy off the tee, converting both tries.

The final scoreline did not feel a fair reflection of the way in which the Daggers presented themselves throughout the contest and there is plenty to take into the next official league game away to Wimborne II on 21st October.

After the game, the club was proud to present club ties to six debutants at senior level; Henry Everitt, Bert Joanavic, Jake Brook, Cameron Frank Waite, Adrian Todd & James Keen.