WEYMOUTH 48 WARMINSTER 12

SEVEN tries from seven different scorers saw champions Weymouth run out comfortable winners in their top-of-the-table clash with Warminster.

Having already clinched the Dorset & Wilts One South title, the Monmouth Avenue outfit could have been forgiven for taking their foot off the gas.

But there was to be easing up against second-placed Warminster, who had enjoyed a 15-14 victory when the two sides last met, as Paul Harding’s men notched their 10th successive league win.

Will Quick grabbed the opening try of the game with Joel Wilson, Adam Hoxey, Sam Morris, Mike Robinson, Julian Quick and Gareth Iles also crossing the whitewash for the hosts.

Fly-half Nick Sheppard added the extras on five occasions and also chipped in with a penalty.

Head coach Harding saw the encounter as the ideal chance to commence preparations for next season’s assault on Southern Counties South.

He said: “As much as it was important to stamp our authority on the game and show that we are the best team in the league, we played the game as if it was preparation for next season.

“I told the guys to start focusing on next season and to play the type of rugby we will need to play to break down better sides.

“And to be fair, they played really, particularly in the first half. We were 36-0 ahead at half-time and we played some of the best rugby we have played this season – if not the best rugby.

“Although we had much the better of the second half as well, we should have scored more tries. But take nothing away from the lads as it was a great performance and I was really pleased.

“We showed how far we have come this season and we were so much better than them in all aspects.

“The guys looked fresh, keen and you can tell they are really enjoying their rugby.”