LYTCHETT MINSTER II 12

PUDDLETOWN 34

PUDDLETOWN continued their good run of form with a convincing but hard-fought bonus-point victory over Lytchett Minster Seconds.

On an afternoon that was superb for running rugby, it was the visitors who scored first.

After 12 minutes, prop Jono Wilson rumbled over with recycled ball from a five-metre line-out. Sam Bailey added the extras for the Villagers.

Hosts Lytchett then struck back a few minutes later with their fly-half making the most of some poor Puddletown tackling to run through from halfway to score an unconverted try.

The Villagers continued to put phases together and were eventually rewarded with a kickable penalty 30 metres out, Bailey did well against the considerable wind to slot the ball between the posts.

Towards the end of the half, Puddletown showed their dominance by scoring another two tries, the first through number eight Dan Udell from a quickly-taken kick and the second by scrum-half James Hill with an individual effort off the back of a maul in front of the posts.

The latter effort converted by Bailey, meaning Puddletown went into the break leading 22-5.

In the second period, Puddletown had the wind at their backs, however, it was the home side that struck first with a well-worked try from a line-out on halfway, the ball was quickly spun out to the pacey Lytchett full-back, who came into the line at an angle and raced over to score a converted try.

Puddletown then secured a try scoring bonus point with a score in the corner from rookie winger Sam Holt after the forwards had turned the ball over five metres out. Bailey once again showed good skills to slot the ball between the sticks from the touchline for the extras.

With 10 minutes to go, Puddletown scored their fifth and final try after a clearance kick from the home side was held up in the wind. Baz Dovell rose higher than everyone else to claim the ball, which was quickly recycled and fed out to replacement wing Sam Wickham who slid over to score in the corner.

On this occasion, Bailey just missed the conversion but that was not to matter as the Villagers emerged comfortable victors.