Rugby: Star duo impress in Weymouth & Portland victory

WEYMOUTH & Portland head coach Paul Harding was thrilled with his team’s performance at Monmouth Avenue, particularly those of Ryan Lewendon and Ade Walker.

Both Lewendon and Walker started the game in positions they were not totally accustomed to, but both came through with flying colours as the hosts eased to victory in Dorset & Wilts Two South.

Harding said Walker was his man of the match, while Joe Gibson also scored three of the home side’s tries.

“Ryan is such a versatile player and we’re looking to exploit that at the moment,” said the Weymouth & Portland chief.

“He has played at centre, full-back and in the back row, he is one of those players who can play anywhere.

“We tried him at scrum-half for the first half on Saturday, it was something I wanted to do, and he certainly made his mark.

“It was an experiment that worked very well.”

And on Walker, he added: “Ade normally plays as a hooker but we started him at prop, and he was absolutely outstanding.

“His mobility for a front row player is ridiculously good and he was everywhere around the field.

“He helped hold the scrum too and it was all a really big bonus for us.”

But Harding insisted the win wasn’t as comfortable as the scoreline suggests, and he gave credit to Ellingham & Ringwood for never giving up.

“We had to work hard and break them down,” he said. “They had a lively set of backs that could have been dangerous.

“And even when the points started to stack up a bit they were still very resolute and didn’t give up.

“They did have a few spells of prolonged pressure but we worked hard to keep them from scoring.

“That was when Joe and Ryan came into their own and put in some big hits.

“We also played some good stuff ourselves and it was a great all-round team performance.”

While Harding was delighted with the first XV’s display, he did not appreciate seeing the second team calling off their game due to a lack of players.

“It’s a real dilemma,” he stated. “We can talk about the first team but the club needs to get more players.

“It’s not the first time this season they haven’t been able to raise a side.”

Harding’s men have two games left this season, away to Bournemouth Thirds and at home against Puddletown.