Match report: Wimborne II (A)

Bridport Daggers travelled to Wimborne on a windy day for their first away trip of the season. The 19-person squad was formed of a large number of players who were experiencing their first away trip with the club.

Daggers started the game brightly, with the wind behind them, managing to regain possession off of the restart. Some smart kicking kept the Wimborne defence pinned back and Daggers looked the stronger team at the start of the game.

Daggers were able to put pressure onto Wimborne in their half for a sustained period, however they were unable to make this pressure count. Following a successful turnover, Wimborne were able to breakaway for a try, catching the Daggers defence narrow and scoring a well worked try in the corner.

Quickly after this try, the Wimborne hooker made a smart decision to take the ball through a hole in the ruck, sneaking past all defenders to go in under the posts for a converted try. The momentum had clearly shifted, and Wimborne were electing to run as much ball as possible, knowing that they were facing a strong wind.

As the first half progressed, Wimborne were also able to grow their physical dominance, with the second row breaking through with powerful running, only to be pulled short of the try line by Henry Everitt and Cameron Frank Waite. Despite these efforts, Daggers’ defensive line had been broken and Wimborne put the ball wide to score in the corner.

In the face of a powerful Wimborne display, Daggers were able to force their way up the field with strong defence from Nathan Herbert and Guy Wyndham to create a penalty opportunity. Petchey successfully landed the kick, to put Daggers on the scoreboard heading into half time.

After the break, Wimborne reasserted their dominance, when a penalty against Daggers on the halfway line was taken quickly by the replacement hooker, who broke through. The quick ball was recycled to Wimborne’s second row who powered over for another try.

The second half dominance was a continuation of the first, with two well worked tries from Wimborne. The first was a powerful carry from the prop who powered over following a good lineout drill. The next was a result of a stable scrum, providing the platform for a well-worked back’s move, from which the center hit a nice line, stepping a few defenders and scoring.

With defeat confirmed at this point, Daggers continued to fight and there was a strong defensive effort from Jack Pellow and Hugh Vivian who continued to drive the team forward. This was rewarded with a well-deserved try in the last passage of the game, with Cameron Frank Waite fighting his way over from scrum half.

Considering the inexperience of the Daggers team, there were plenty of positives to take away from the game. With 7 of the matchday squad being 21 or under, there is a bright future for the Daggers, along with some players due to be returning from travels and injury in the near future.

Daggers’ next game will be at home in a friendly match against Puddletown. This match will precede Bridport Rugby Club’s annual fireworks celebration.