NORTH DORSET SECONDS 17

BRIDPORT 34

AFTER the disappointment of conceding a draw in the last minute of their match against Weymouth, the Blues bounced back will a well-earned first win of the season at North Dorset Seconds in Dorset & Wilts One South.

From the kick-off, the Blues made ground into the North Dorset 22 through Daragh Mcoughlin, but solid defending and a turnover allowed them to clear the danger.

Mcoughlin and Mitch Waters were soon combining well but a knock-on allowed North Dorset to get quick ball from the scrum and they pressed into the Blues’ 22 forcing a penalty, the subsequent kick drifting wide of the posts.

From the drop out, the Blues forced a turnover and Waters and Mcoughlin again combined well and put Nathan Herbert over in the corner but Waters missed the conversion.

The Blues continued to press the North Dorset defence and when a line-out on the 22 was not straight Mcoughlin broke on the blind side putting Jude Appleton-Scott over in the corner with Waters converting.

From the kick-off, Mcoughlin again broke the defence.

Harry Richardson took the ball on and offloaded to put Rich Pearce in but the conversion was missed.

The Blues resisted North Dorset pressure to go in 17-0 at half-time.

The hosts started the second half strongly and were soon threatening the Blues’ line but a series of errors and strong defence allowed the visitors to clear their lines.

Rich Pearce made a clean break from the halfway line but was forced into touch on the 22.

The Blues forced a turnover and Mcoughlin and Waters again broke the cover defence with Dave Cutting on hand to take the final pass and go over near the posts for the bonus point try, with Waters converting.

From the kick-off, Harry Richardson made a strong break offloading to Mcoughlin who took the ball on.

The ball was then passed to Herbert who drew his man on the 22 and gave Appleton-Scott a clear run to the corner for his second try.

At 29-0 with about 15 minutes to go the Blues took their eye off the ball, not covering a North Dorset break which gave them a converted try.

North Dorset again scored following a kick and chase, but the Blues regathered and forced their way downfield and, from a line-out, the forwards drove the ball over with Ayo Fraser getting the final touch.

North Dorset had the final say with a try in the last play of the game as the match finished with Bridport winning 34-17.

The Blues next game is home to Bournemouth Thirds on Saturday.