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).