BRIDPORT 22

POOLE 22

BRIDPORT ground out a bonus-point draw in a mud-caked Wadworth Dorset & Wilts Two South battle at the Brewery Ground to stay top.

Following the 54-7 win against Wimborne, expectations were high for another fine performance from the Blues but a heavy pitch and a strong opposition nearly put the brakes on Bridport’s leadership.

Bridport tried to play their usual game but from the first few phases of play it was not going to be that easy.

From a midfield knock-on the referee played an advantage to Poole and the visitors went on to score a converted try.

The Blues bounced back when the referee played an advantage for a high tackle, which allowed Jamie Livingston to score out wide which Mitch Waters converted.

However, from the restart another ball was knocked on and this time the referee awarded a scrum to Bridport.

A subsequent line-out saw the ball aimed out to the backs which was intercepted by Poole and they ran to take the score to 12-7 in their advantage.

Bridport bounced back with a fine break by Sam Roberts-Wray, who fed the ball to Jamie Gosling and he finished the move off by scoring an unconverted try, to tie the score board.

From the restart, Poole’s large pack applied further pressure and Bridport infringed again with a high tackle, leading to a penalty which Poole kicked to restore their lead.

Bridport were still adjusting to the conditions and Poole’s heavier pack, using the slope to their advantage, applied pressure to Bridport’s maul and they stripped the ball from the hosts before breaking free and crossing for a converted try.

As they turned round at half-time, Poole led 22-12 but Bridport now had the elements to their advantage.

Using the slope to their benefit, the scrum took an advantage and good hands saw a break down the touch line with Tom Gamwell touching down for the second week running, taking the score to 22-17.

Storm Jorge then intervened and make an already heavy pitch even more treacherous.

Bridport managed to apply enough pressure to get over the try line, again to level the score board and get the all-important fourth try for the bonus point.

Bridport travel to Oakmeadians Seconds on Saturday with a one-point lead over second-placed Wheatsheaf Cabin Crew.