Bridport Go Four Points Clear

Bridport opened up a four point gap at the top of Dorset & Wilts 2 South with a five-try, bonus point win over now third placed Oakmedians. This was an emphatic team display with both forwards and backs showing 100% commitment.

Bridport opened in superb style, running the ball from their own 22 into the Oaks half. Jack Streeter took it on and Nathan Herbert was just held up. Quick ball saw Mitch Waters through for a converted try.

Against the run of play Oaks got a converted try back after a fortuitous hack through from a loose ball led to a converted try. Bridport then lost their way conceding a second converted try to go 14-7 down.

A superb passage of play with great ball handling from backs and forwards saw them score 2 tries in 10 minutes. The first followed a period of intense pressure in the Oaks 22 with good ball retention from the forwards forcing a penalty taken quickly and allowing Waters through for his second converted try. Oaks kicked the ball straight out and from the resulting scrum on halfway Herbert fed Dave Cutting who beat the cover defence with a strong run, Waters converting. Superb defence kept the Oaks out after several penalties on Bridport’s lines, including bizarrely an attempted drop goal which hit the post and allowed the Daggers to clear their lines going in at half time 21-14.

The second half showed how much Bridport have advanced this season with the forwards dominating the loose and forcing a penalty which Waters converted. Bridport sadly, were not able to capitalise on a surging Harry Richardson break from deep in his own half into the Oaks 22.

The game then went a bit flat but the Daggers showed a composure in defence keeping Oaks out.  Then with some wonderfully crafted ball retention as the forwards kept the ball moving they drove into Oaks 22 and James Tuck freed Oscar Tompkins to run in under the posts for their converted bonus point try.

At this stage unconverted scrums were enforced, a disadvantage to the Daggers as they were dominant in the scrums. An unforced error gave the Oaks a five metre scrum which Bridport turned over and from the scrum the best move of the match saw them sweep down the field as Waters, Cutting and debutant Ollie Blackburn combined beautifully to give Cutting his second try converted by Waters. Oaks got a consolation try at the death following a quickly taken penalty.

Bridport’s next game is away to Salisbury 3rds on 23rd November