The Blues are now almost certain to finish bottom of the league and face relegation to Dorset & Wilts South 2 following another defeat against local rival Puddletown going down 43-8.
Sadly, it was the continuing story of not having a settled side and having to field a team depleted by injury and player availability.
The Blues started brightly and were soon on the attack and from a lineout on half way Harrison Crane made good ground into Puddletown’s 22 and a smart offload enabled Jordan Thirlwell to go over in the corner for an unconverted try. From the kick off the Blues again exerted pressure on their opponents but tenacious defence by Puddletown stopped the Blues making any progress apart from a good break again by Harrison Crane with Tayler Woodcock being bundled into touch on half way.
Puddletown then went up a gear from the line out and strong running by their backs gave them a try in the corner which was well converted.
From the kick off Harry Richardson did well to charge down a clearance kick and gained a penalty for a high tackle which Rich Pearce converted. Sadly, this was the last time the Blues would trouble the scoreboard and despite several strong drives and with a dominant scrum the Puddletown defence was excellent and gradually gained the upper hand and scored 2 unconverted tries to go in at half time 17-8 down.
At the start of the second half there was again positivity from the Blues but their ball carriers were not able to make any progress through a resolute Puddletown defence. They went close when Jordan Thirlwell almost repeated his first half score but was denied by a forward pass. With Mitch Waters carrying an injury and Harry Richardson forced off with a knee injury the Blues attack options were limited and Puddletown duly took advantage with 3 breakaway tries by their strong running backs to go into 37-8 lead. The Blues looked as though they would hold out but with the last move of the game Puddletown ran through the defence to score under the posts.
Their next home game is against second placed Dorset Dockers on the 16 th March.
