SWINDON COLLEGE OB 20

WEYMOUTH & PORTLAND 12

WEYMOUTH & Portland put up a brave show, but ultimately suffered heartache after they were beaten in the Dorset & Wilts Vase final.

The Seasiders found themselves up against the unbeaten Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier League leaders at Warminster and, despite a heroic effort against a side of seasoned players, they went down by just eight points in a contest with a scoreline that just about reflected the game as a whole.

The Wiltshire outfit took the initiative and pressured the Seasiders inside their own half, but committed defence ensured that it took fully 22 minutes before Swindon opened their account with a try in the corner.

Four minutes later, the Old Boys added three points with a penalty kick in front of the posts.

With half-time beckoning, Weymouth & Portland were awarded a penalty 20 metres shy of the Old Boys’ try line, flanker Shaun Murphy switched on first and took a tap kick, then raced in for a touchdown while others just looked on.

The referee then blew to bring the first half to an end and the score stood at 8-5 in the Wiltshire team’s favour.

The first 15 minutes of the second period was crucial in deciding which county the Vase would reside for the next 12 months.

Weymouth & Portland dropped their guard and conceded two tries in quick succession, the second converted to take the Old Boys’ tally to 20 points.

With the Seasiders’ inspirational skipper Ryan Lewendon now on the sideline after receiving two blows to the head, most teams would have thrown in the towel.

However, Weymouth & Portland raised their game and Lewendon’s replacement Jonny Young intercepted an Old Boys’ pass and sprinted in for a touchdown beneath the Wiltshire team’s posts with Bryn Llewellyn stroking over the conversion.

As the game drew to its close, it was the Old Boys’ experience that allowed them monopolise possession and run down the clock until the referee blew to bring the proceedings to an end.

Seasiders’ head coach Paul Harding said: “The lads grew up, they came up against a more physical side of experienced Premier League players, but I take my hat off to our lads, their scrummaging was sensational.

“We were driving the Old Boys off their own ball and I don’t think they were used to that. In the end the stronger team won, but Weymouth & Portland can be proud of their players they, all put their bodies on the line.”