PUDDLETOWN 19

BRIDPORT 31

A SUPERB first-half display from Bridport set them on their way to a 31-19 victory over local rivals Puddletown which saw them move up to fifth place in the Dorset & Wilts Two South.

Four unanswered first-half tries set the tone for the game as the visitors used strategic kicking as well as good passing through the back line to drive home their advantage.

Puddletown reacted well after the break, scoring all of their 19 points in the second half but the away side added another try to seal the victory.

Blues’ chairman Allan Staerck was happy with the win and praised his backs for their fine work. He said: “The backs played really well in a tough game.

“We were able to get quick ball through the hands.

“The scrum also functioned well in the first half, which gave us some advantage.”

With the wind behind them in the opening 40 minutes, Bridport were able to put pressure on their opponents through the boot of Ricky Stubbs.

“It was a solid team effort,” the chairman added.

“We outplayed them in the first half but they were able to come back at us.

“They got on top of us in the second half. We changed personnel and we weren’t as efficient.”

The win means Bridport currently sit in fifth place in the league table with 58 points.

The Blues are set to face another local rival on Saturday, April 16 when they take on promotion-chasing Weymouth & Portland at home.