SALISBURY II 22
WEYMOUTH & PORTLAND 33
WEYMOUTH & Portland returned from the festive break with a 33-22 triumph over Salisbury Seconds in the Wadworth Dorset & Wilts One South.
Victory was the rejuvenated Seahorses’ ninth from 12 games, placing them just three points off Dorset Dockers in second, with unbeaten Dorchester topping the standings.
Understandably, Weymouth & Portland took time to knit their play together fluently following a three-week lay-off.
While fluency was lacking, Reece Makin did cross for an unconverted try and, along with two Alex Toms penalties, the Seahorses claimed an 11-5 lead at half-time.
After clearing out the cobwebs during the first half, the Seahorses began to string phases together and the tries soon followed.
Toms was among the scorers, while a penalty try was also handed to the Seahorses for a high tackle on Chris Norton, who was in the process of crossing.
Toms converted twice and added a further penalty to his tally as Weymouth & Portland closed out 33-22 winners.
Speaking to Echosport, head coach Rich Bament was satisfied with another impressive away-day victory.
He said: “They came away with a bonus-point win so I was very happy for them all. I couldn’t have asked for any more, especially having to go to Salisbury first game after the Christmas break.
“We had one training session on Thursday – a nice gentle one to ease everyone back in.
“It’s very pleasing and they carried on from where they left off (pre-Christmas), which is only adding to the feel good factor at the club.
“It’s fresh ideas, fresh faces and (the players) are buying into it. A lot of it has been down to themselves – I’m just helping where I can. They’re the ones who go out on the pitch week in, week out.”
Weymouth & Portland host second-placed Dorset Dockers on Saturday at Monmouth Avenue (2.15pm).
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here