BRIDPORT 23 SWANAGE & WAREHAM II 5

MARK Botten labelled the triumph over Swanage & Wareham Seconds as Bridport’s best of the season.

The high-flying Swans were put to the sword at Brewery Field as the Blues, without a game for the previous two weeks, returned to action in fine style – recording their first win in Dorset & Wilts One South since January 14.

Head coach Botten said: “It was a great result and probably our best team performance of the season.

“We do like to throw the ball around a bit but we were on the defensive quite a lot.

“The lads tackled their hearts out with Tim Edwards leading from the front and hitting anything that moved.

“We were patient but then the tries came. We did switch off for 10 minutes and they scored a try but they didn’t look like scoring again in the second half.

“We played well and thoroughly deserved the win. Whatever they tried to throw at us we soaked up. The players really stepped up to the mark.

“The second team also won, 6-5 at Verwood, so we’re very happy.”

Tries from John Butler and Stefan McMaster, the second of which was converted by Wes Lewis, put the hosts into a 12-0 lead.

The Swans retaliated with a try of their own, only to see Tony Herbert cross the whitewash on the stroke of half-time and restore Bridport’s 12-point cushion.

There were no further tries in the second half but two penalties from the boot of Lewis secured an impressive victory for the Blues.