Bridport Daggers

22

Poole

22

Following the strong display against Wimborne the week before, expectations were high for another fine performance from the Blues but a heavy pitch and a strong opposition nearly put the brakes on Bridport’s table topping ways. However, a bonus point try in this ground out draw was enough for the Daggers to stay top.

The Daggers tried to play their usual game but from the first few phases of play it wasn’t going to be that easy. From a midfield knock on the referee played an advantage to Poole and they went on to score a converted try.

Bridport bounced back when the referee played an advantage to them for a high tackle, which allowed Livingston to score out wide which Waters converted.

However, from the restart another ball was knocked on and this time the referee awarded a scrum to Bridport. A subsequent line out saw the ball passed out to the backs which was intercepted by Poole and they ran to take the score to 12-7 in their advantage.

Bridport bounced back with a fine break by Sam Roberts-Wray, who fed the ball to Jamie Gosling and he finished the move off by scoring an unconverted try, to tie the score board.

From the restart, Poole’s large pack applied further pressure and the Daggers infringed again with a high tackle and the referee awarded a penalty, which Poole kicked to take the lead again.

Bridport were still adjusting to the conditions and Poole’s heavier pack, using the slope to their advantage,applied pressure to Bridport’s maul and they stripped the ball from Bridport, broke free and crossed the line for a converted try.

As they turned round at half time, Poole was in the lead 22-12. Bridport now had the elements to their advantage. Using the slope to their benefit the scrum took an advantage and good hands from them saw a break down the touch line and Tom Gamwell touching down for the second week running, taking the score to 22-17.

The weather then decided to turn again and make an already heavy pitch even more treacherous. Bridport managed to apply enough pressure to get over the try line, again to level the score board and get the all important fourth try for the bonus point.

Next week sees the Daggers travel to Oakmedians.