PUDDLETOWN 45

NEW MILTON III 17

By Geoff Puryer

PUDDLETOWN took another comfortable victory in Dorset & Wilts Two South, defeating New Milton Thirds 45-17 at home.

Despite the scoreline and another bonus point win, this was not a game that will linger too long in the collective memory of the Puddletown faithful when compared to other recent performances.

Winger Jez Beale got the Villagers off to a flying start with a well-worked try, converted by Sam Bailey, only for the visitors to immediately respond, twice taking advantage of some woeful defending to run in scores of their own and take a 10-7 lead.

Clearly shaken by this reverse Puddletown had to dig deep to curb the onslaught, and try to wrest back some control.

The hosts started to put together some good phases and eventually that patient recycling paid off, Tom Yeatman cutting through to restore the lead. Pearce Mercer added another minutes later, the big number eight breaking several tackles to power over the whitewash.

New Milton were still keeping up the pressure though, and were soon back on level terms when a mis-timed pass on half-way allowed the visiting fly-half to make a simple interception and sprint clear to the posts, before converting his own try.

Just before half-time centre Matt Watts got round the visiting defence with a long arcing run before popping a short pass to put Tom Nickisson in for a try and with Bailey adding the extras the Villagers were at least back in the lead with the bonus point secured.

Puddletown needed to react positively and quickly to coach Sam Cload’s words at the break, and tightening up their defence they managed to keep a second-half clean sheet.

In attack too, they showed more accuracy with ball in hand, adding three more converted tries to take the game well beyond the reach of the Hampshire side.

Second row Nickisson got his second, then Watts broke through, and finally Mercer completed his brace with a flourish, selling the visiting full-back a cheeky dummy on his way to the line.

Next week the Villagers face another tough game at Greenfields when they renew their acquaintance with old rivals East Dorset.

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