South Dorset Giants growing in stature

8:01am Tuesday 29th July 2008

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SOUTH DORSET GIANTS 42

SOUTHAMPTON SPITFIRES 24

SOUTH Dorset Giants exacted revenge against the Southampton Spitfires with victory at Monmouth Avenue.

The Giants, in only their first game together as a rugby league outfit, suffered an 80-4 defeat at Southampton last month but this time it was the South Dorset side celebrating at the final whistle as they continue to go from strength to strength.

Try scorers for the Giants were Nathan Walmsley with three, Craig Barter and Ryan Lewendon with two apiece, and one from Tim Comben.

Walmsley also converted five times to help boost the home side's tally and see them grab their second win together.

Captain and manager Dave Allan said: "It was another fantastic win from the new Giants with notable performances from Craig Barter, Will Hughes, Nathan Walmsley, James Ford and Tim Comben, who have also been asked to go forward for training for the South of England team.

"I am really enthusiastic for next summer when we start our league campaign, credit must go to our coach Anthony Cowburn who by far and away is the best RFL coach in the area."

Cowburn added: "The team sprit since our win against Exeter has been through the roof, and at no point during the game did I think that we were going to lose.

"We said that if we controlled the ball and competed for 80 minutes we would be looking at our second win. Our forwards dominated and our half-backs ripped open the Spitfires' defence when their energy levels decreased.

"It was an outstanding result from an outstanding bunch of guys and I am proud to coach them."

South Dorset Giants: Dave Allan, Dan Hopkins, James Ford, Adam Hoxey, Ryan Lewendon, Nathan Walmsley, Craig Barter, James Borrington, Andy Wood, Tony Worle, Mark Sample, Will Hughes, Alex McGarrel, Craig Gelderd, James Ford, Ian MacConnachie, Tim Comben, Ian Tibble, Matt Lockerly, John Leatham.

Giants' Man of the Match: Craig Barter.