In a poor game spoiled by constant stoppages due to an over zealous use of the whistle and injuries with the second half lasting almost an hour the Blues put in a spirited performance against 3rd place Oakmedians to go down 31-14.
Oaks kicked off with a strong wind at their backs and conceding an early penalty taken quickly by Mitch Waters with Nathan Herbert driving into the Oaks 22 but forced into touch. Oaks cleared their lines from the throw in and with backs running good angles soon threatened the Blues line. Good defence kept them out until a turnover scrum on halfway let the Oaks backs run into the corner for a converted try. They were soon back on the scoresheet with the backs again proving to strong for the Blues defence. The Blues then enjoyed the best period of the game with a series of forward drives just being held up and Nathan Herbert just short in touch after good handling by the backs.
In typical fashion this season the Blues let the Oaks break away to get the third try and go in 21-0 at half time.
The second half was changed early on with uncontested scrums and marred by several stoppages for injuries. The Blues had the better of the ball but again after a series of drives were unable to get over the line and against the run of play Oaks broke out and scored. They got another try before the Blues finally got what they deserved with Harrison Crane going over in the corner and after a scorching break from his own 22 Ricky Stubbs, sadly showing what the club are missing from his absence, almost made it to the line but good follow up at the breakdown allowed Nathan Herbert to flick it out to his father, veteran prop Tony to go over in the corner! Rich Pierce converting both
tries.
The Blues are away to Puddletown on Saturday 9 th March and The Club are privileged to be holding the West Dorset Schools Tag Festival on Saturday 9th March at the Brewery Ground KO 9.30.
Watching the game were Benjamin Fournol, the President of French Rugby Club Lège-Cap-Ferret and three Senior members who are visiting Bridport RFC this weekend to consolidate the twinning agreement between the two Clubs.
Renier Wormskamp, a Committee member, had been asking a number of British South Coast Clubs to set up a Twinning relationship, with little response. Staying on holiday in Bridport with friends, they suggested he ask Bridport RFC which he duly did. Bridport Chairman Julian Hussey and two Club members visited the French Club in March last year and were bowled over by the friendly hospitality, and the similarity between the two Clubs. Bridport RFC celebrate their Fiftieth year this season with Lège-Cap-Ferret founded in 1969. Both are on the coast and have a healthy Junior and Senior section and are keen to set up biannual visits incorporating games at Senior and Junior level.
The Club held a Race Night after the First team game v Oakmedians on Saturday to raise money for the U14s and U15s who go on Tour to Lège at the end of May with the Senior French players coming over on tour at the end of the year. The four Frenchmen then travelled on the Sunday with the U15s by Coach to watch the Cup semi-final away at Royal Wootton Bassett. The French Committee men stayed at The Tiger and enjoyed the best hospitality Bridport offers with local food and drink.
