BRIDPORT 24

SALISBURY II 24

BRIDPORT bounced back from their 120-28 trouncing against Dorset Dockers with a creditable 24-24 draw at home to Salisbury Seconds.

The Blues delivered a highly-committed team effort for the full 80 minutes and were unlucky not to edge the win.

In a scrappy opening with many handling errors, Bridport conceded penalties for offside allowing Salisbury to gain ground into their 22.

After another penalty was carelessly spilled by Salisbury taking a quick tap, the Blues capitalised making good ground into the Salisbury 22 were they gained a line-out.

From the throw Mitch Waters made headway and offloaded to Daragh McLoughlin, whose quick pass put debutant Zak Knight over for a try which was converted by Freddie Woolner, who displayed excellent touch kicking throughout.

Salisbury then knocked on from a line-out and Woolner utilised quick ball from the scrum to make a blindside break and score, failing with the conversion.

From the kick-off Salisbury were allowed to kick a loose ball through towards the line and an awkward bounce evaded Woolner and the Salisbury winger got his hand to the ball to score in the corner, which was converted for 12-7.

Bridport were then again penalised for offside after a good scrum and long clearance kick and from a scrum Salisbury were awarded a penalty close to the posts which was converted for a 12-10 half-time score.

Bridport began the second half with strong breaks from Waters, McLoughlin and Woolner.

From a 22 line-out McLoughlin broke the first line of defence, Waters carried the momentum forward and a good offload allowed Jonathon Butler to score an unconverted try.

Mitch Waters then went close after a quick tap penalty, the ball was well recycled but McLoughlin, after a good break, was isolated and conceded a penalty allowing Salisbury to clear their lines.

Salisbury finally got the breakthrough with constant pressure on the Blues' line resulting in a converted try to level the scores at 17-17.

From the kick-off the Blues conceded a penalty and from the resulting line-out the visitors moved the ball through their backs and from a questionable pass went over in the corner for a well-converted try.

With time running out the Blues showed great composure and spirit and after a scrum against the head was reset the Blues were awarded a free-kick for early engagement by the visitors and good pressure saw Mike Pibworth get the crucial try, with Woolner keeping his cool to level at 24-24.

Bridport next play Bournemouth Thirds away on Saturday.