BOURNEMOUTH III 22

WEYMOUTH & PORTLAND 17

WEYMOUTH & Portland lost a third completed game in succession as Bournemouth Thirds claimed a 22-17 victory in their Tribute Dorset & Wilts One South clash.

The Seahorses punctuated that run with a home walkover over Swanage & Wareham Seconds but losing to leaders North Dorset, Blandford and now Bournemouth Thirds have arguably lost to their strongest opposition.

Rich Bament’s men took the lead when Ben Davies offloaded to Khylo Farley for the visitors’ opening score.

Bournemouth responded with a penalty and took the lead before half-time with their first try, Luke Beynon going down in the process with a deeply gashed calf that later required stitches.

READ MORE: North Dorset 50-5 Weymouth & Portland - match report

Trailing 10-5, the Seahorses conceded another try but Davies responded with a score to keep within touching distance.

However, with three minutes to go, Bournemouth notched their third try to put the game out of reach, despite Will Quick’s score with the final play of the game.

Speaking to Echosport, Bament said: “The first two games you’ve got to hand it to the teams we’ve played and say we were beaten fair and square.

“However, this was one we could and probably should have won. There were chances and we could’ve taken different routes to where we ended up.

“It’s certainly one that’s gone begging.”

Weymouth & Portland have no game this weekend but return in eight days’ time to host Bridport at Monmouth Avenue.

Bament added: “It should be a good contest, it’s a good old local derby against Bridport.

“They’ve got a few tricky wingers but we turned them over just before Christmas.

“The weather’s getting nicer now which suits us down to the ground with how we want to play.

“We’re facing a team in form but we’re out of form. I’m always confident with the guys we’ve got out there.”

Ryan Lewendon is out for the season, Beynon (calf) is doubtful and Craig Barter will be assessed.