Barclay’s praise after Shield success
8:03am Friday 29th February 2008
Dorset & Wilts Second XV Shield Final
Bridport II 66
Bradford-on-Avon II 14
MANAGER Arthur Barclay praised his side's "tremendous performance" as Bridport Seconds stormed to a 66-14 Dorset & Wilts Shield final victory over a stunned Bradford-on-Avon II.
An abundance of tries and conversions throughout the match rendered the Wiltshire club powerless to stop the dominating Bridport side from playing exquisite running rugby.
Held at Sherborne's Terrace Playing Fields, Bridport boasted a wealth of talent in their line-up, and the players did not freeze under the pressurised conditions of a final.
They displayed the majestic rugby that has propelled them to the head of Dorset & Wils Three South, with Kiwi-born flanker Mark Gough running the opposition ragged throughout the match.
Outside-centre Freddie Ederet scored four tries for Bridport, while fly-half Jack Guilor crossed the try line on three occasions.
As well as paying tribute to his triumphant champion side, boss Barclay said he believes the victory could be the beginning of a trophy-filled season.
He said: "It was a tremendous performance by the players, and the fantastic work we've done this year came together in the final.
"We didn't know who we were up against because they are not in our league, but we combated everything they threw at us and came away with the win.
"We haven't won anything for a very long time, and could possibly be looking at a few more over the next couple of months."
The Dorset & Wilts Shield victors face Dorchester III at home tomorrow, in what could be a title-decider.
Bridport will be confident of creating an unassailable lead in the table, given that Dorchester currently sit rock-bottom, having registered just two league wins this season.