Rugby: Guildford's a hat-trick hero for Weymouth & Portland

KEVIN Leatham’s men responded to their defeat at East Dorset by going on a try-scoring frenzy against New Milton Seconds.

And Jake Guildford was in impressive form for the hosts as Weymouth & Portland secured a third win of the campaign.

The flanker crossed for a hat-trick of tries in a routine triumph at Monmouth Avenue, one which took the home side up to second in the Dorset & Wilts Two South standings.

Scrum-half Gordon Tye, in for the injured Ryan Keable-Kinsella, also crossed, as did hooker Ade Walker and front row Andy Bowditch.

The visitors did manage to breach the Weymouth & Portland defence but they were a clear second best on the day.

As well as their attacking play, skipper Leatham was also pleased to see the hosts’ strength in depth show through.

Khylo Farley, Ryan Lewendon were both missing due to back and hamstring injuries respectively, and Steve Nation-Grainger was unavailable due to work commitments.

“We had a few guys who weren’t available so it was good to see the players that came in do well,” said Leatham.

“It makes a big difference when players can go straight in and perform like they did.

“Gordon Tye used to play for us and has come back. He came in for Ryan Keable-Kinsella and scored one of the tries.

“We pretty much dominated all the set-pieces, the handling was good, and we defended better than we did against East Dorset the week before.

“Everyone has worked hard on their discipline and I was really pleased with that side of our game.”

Leatham also paid tribute to Guildford following his try treble.

He added: “It’s great having players like him in the squad.”

Weymouth & Portland, second in the table on points difference, go to North Dorset Thirds on Saturday.