Match report: Wimborne II (H)

Bridport Daggers recorded an impressive home win against Wimborne Seconds, building on the momentum from previous weeks.

The opening passages saw Daggers play with a nice variety of tight carrying, whilst using the width when the opportunity arose. This pressured Wimborne into some ill-discipline, which provided Daggers with territory, from which they were able to attack close to the try-line. With the wide ball guarded by Wimborne’s defensive line, Pete Phillips took the first try, with a carry close to the ruck.

With the same variety in their attacking play, Daggers continued to stretch Wimborne and further ill-discipline resulted in a penalty attempt at goal. With the wind against Daggers, Sam Petchey curled the ball around the posts, to provide some cushion to the lead.

Daggers’ next try was a fantastic set move from a scrum, which started in their own half. Daggers’ number eight Hugh Vivian carried impressively, before feeding Camille Bird, who drew the last man and sent Ollie Hansford-Harvey over. Hansford-Harvey showed great confidence in side-stepping the covering man beyond the try line, enabling an easier kick directly under the posts. Moments later, Petchey had another chance to kick at goal, as Wimborne were penalised for offside and Daggers added another three points to their score.

Quick thinking from Petchey saw a penalty tap-kick taken whilst the Wimborne defence was retreating. This allowed for a two-on-one position against the Wimborne full back, where Petchey drew the man to send Bert Jovanovic over for his first senior try. With confidence sky-high and a commanding lead building, Petchey attempted a long-range penalty kick which fell short. The ball was cleared into touch by Wimborne to end the first half.

The second half began, much as the first half had ended, with Daggers in the ascendency. Wanting to provide less time to Daggers’ half backs, Wimborne shot out of the line to target Nathan Herbert at fly half, who popped a delicate pass to send Bird clean through the defensive line. Bird played his part once again, drawing the Wimborne full back and feeding Hansford-Harvey for his second score of the game. Hansford-Harvey was the next to score, providing the hat-trick of tries for the afternoon.

With their dominance growing, Daggers then saw Bird power over for a well-deserved try, having assisted with a number of important interventions in the game. Unfortunately, moments later, Bird was penalised for a high tackle in attempting to prevent Wimborne’s first try, which resulted in a penalty try and yellow card for Bird.

Despite receiving a yellow card, Daggers were able to push on for the full eighty minutes, with Luke Robertson grabbing a brace, before Daragh Mcloughlin took home the final try of the day. The Daggers’ management were particularly happy with the second half, overcoming a recent trend of performances dipping during the opening stages of second halves.
Following the game, the clubhouse hosted a successful Charity Horse Race event in memory of clubman Keith Readings. The event took £540 on the night, with a total of £976 raised in support of Weldmar Hospice. Special thanks were given to the event’s main sponsors; the Symene Cricket Club, Ian Gay, JSR Scaffolding & the families of Steve Cornick & Keith Readings, as well as the Bridport Rugby Club for hosting the event.

Daggers’ next game will be away in the cup against East Dorset Dockers on 17th February 2024. Please keep an eye out on our social media channels for opening times at our clubhouse for watching the Six Nations, which kicks off this weekend.