BRIDPORT 12 SALISBURY II 28

BRIDPORT put last October’s thrashing by Salisbury Seconds behind them to push the same opponents much closer in the return fixture at the Brewery Field.

The hosts, beaten 62-0 in the previous meeting between the two sides, laid siege to the Salisbury line from the off.

Salisbury’s defence initially held firm before Josh Walton made the most of an opening to speed away for the game’s first try.

However, the Dorset & Wilts Two South’s second-placed team got back into the contest a few minutes later, courtesy of a penalty from in front of the posts.

Quick handling from Bridport’s much-improved backs then saw Dave Cutting get to within inches of the whitewash.

He couldn’t quite make it and a penalty was missed by the hosts soon after.

The home side’s failure to stretch their lead seemed to give Salisbury confidence and they came back strongly with two tries, one of which was converted.

Salisbury, leading 15-5 at the interval, began the second half as they ended the first, forcing Bridport to concede a penalty which was converted.

Strong defence, exemplified by man of the match Walton, just about kept Bridport in the game, but they eventually ran out of tacklers and Salisbury scored again.

It looked all over, but from a penalty Freddie Woolner launched a mighty kick deep into Salisbury’s 22.

Possession was secured from the resulting line-out and Woolner broke through to touch down. He also added the conversion.

Bridport enjoyed a good spell with the ball and were a little unlucky when a speculative hack up field ended with another Salisbury try, though the conversion was charged down.

The Blues finished strongly, particularly in the scrum, and were by no means disgraced.

They were also able to give Colts Alex Perkin, Sam Petchey and George Pearce their first taste of senior rugby.