Game to forget for depleted Villagers

8:12am Tuesday 29th January 2008

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Dorset & Wilts One South

WESTBURY 36 PUDDLETOWN 7

PUDDLETOWN suffered a setback in their challenge for a top half finish in Dorset & Wilts One South, after defeat at Westbury.

Following recent strong performances, the Villagers were looking for a result against their mid-table rivals. But it was the home side who proved the stronger team on the day with Puddletown unable to get into full swing.

From the outset, and throughout, Westbury bossed the set-piece and starved Puddletown of any decent possession as they played the conditions and pitch extremely well, continually pinning their opponents deep in their own half.

Playing with the wind and slope, Westbury quickly took command with three tries, two of which converted.

The visitors did however, strike back just before the break when full-back Jack Foot pounced on a loose ball within his own half before outstripping the home defence to run the length of the field and score under the posts. Toby Musgrove's conversion reduced the deficit to 12 points.

The second half continued much as the first, with the Villagers unable to command their own ball at the set-piece allowing Westbury to score three further unanswered tries, one converted, to take the spoils.

Puddletown skipper Pete Gordon said: "It's a game to be forgotten and one that didn't showed the real character and commitment of our team, missing key personnel did not help our cause either.

"I was pleased that we did not roll over under the pressure and pleased with the efforts of the first team debutants who stepped up to the plate and held their own in such a difficult game."

Weatherbury-Hearn Man of the Match: Tom Foot