BRIDPORT 18 POOLE 3

BRIDPORT lie fifth in the Dorset & Wilts Two South table after a workmanlike display against a Poole side who had conceded more than 160 points in their first three fixtures.

However, the visitors had come to play and earned the first of many penalty decisions in the game.

They gained nothing from it and neither did Bridport from the next, which was awarded in their favour.

But from open play, Ricky Stubbs, who kicked well for Bridport all afternoon, hoisted a lofty up-and-under which was picked up deftly by Richard Middleton and off-loaded to Rich Pearce.

He beat two defenders to scoot round and score under the posts. Stubbs added the conversion.

Poole’s physically imposing forwards then gained another penalty, which they did kick, as Bridport handled illegally in a ruck.

Bridport’s increasing dominance forced two more kickable penalties, one of which was successful, to take the score at half-time to 10-3.

The second half began with Poole offside once again and a further three points was added by the Blues thanks to the boot of Stubbs.

Dave Cutting set up the next attack with a characteristic sniping run and chip kick which put the defence in all sorts of bother.

The resulting penalty was kicked to the corner. Bridport secured the lineout and set up a rolling maul that had Poole back-pedalling over their own line.

James Tuck touched down to increase the lead to 15 points.

Bridport continued to enjoy most of the pressure without quite finishing off some promising moves, while a late flurry from Poole was weathered by the hosts and the game ended 18-3.

The home team can be satisfied with the result but will need to be more clinical against next week’s opponents, league leaders Weymouth & Portland.

Man of the match: Joe Hewetson