BRIDPORT 27 WESTBURY 0

STRONG scrummaging, a solid line-out and powerful driving play saw the Blues seal a comfortable victory over West-bury in their first game of the new year.

The teams appeared to be evenly matched in the opening stages but a good break and resulting line-out took Brid-port into the Westbury 22.

And with the first chance of the match, Mike Pibworth scored the opening try and Rory Greening converted for a 7-0 lead.

The pitch, resembling a mud bath, allowed Westbury to put the hosts under some pressure as a couple of fumbled passes from the Blues saw them lose their flow.

However, the Blues seemed to regain momentum with consistently effective drives and impressive interplay by the loose forwards.

A clean break by James Tuck was ended with Robert Greening taking the ball to the posts and quick distribution saw Gregor Grant cross.

The Blues continued to react to Westbury pressure with strong defence and a quickly-taken advantage allowed them to advance a further 20 met-res.

Despite a controversial knock-on against the Blues, Tony Herbert still looked set to score but unfortunately his team couldn't capitalise on the opportunity.

The home team started the second half confidently, scrummaging strongly and dominating possession.

This was reflected in another try, a second for Pibworth, which was converted.

A break from Pibworth saw captain Dave Cutting register the next try to put the game beyond the visitors.

With Bridport holding a healthy lead and heavy ground under foot, the pace of the game appeared to slow.

Bridport’s loose forwards found some reserves to approach the Westbury 22 and Robert Parker made a string of impressive breaks.

In the end, it was a resounding, yet ever so slightly muddy, victory for the Blues as they stay 10th in Dorset & Wilts One South.

Bridport host Warminster on Saturday (2.15pm).

* Meanwhile, the club received notification in Dec-ember that it had been awarded the RFU Accreditation Approval, which has allowed them to claim grant aid of £4,000 to go towards the renewal of two sets of posts/protectors, protective roadside netting and new grass cutters.

The accreditation brings other benefits including help in providing coaching courses.