WEYMOUTH 29

BRIDPORT 13

A HAT-TRICK of tries from Will Quick saw Weymouth return to winning ways and earn local bragging rights in the process.

Following their first defeat of the season, an 11-10 reversal at Westbury, Paul Harding’s men were keen to get back on track at Monmouth Avenue.

And with Quick in devastating form, there was no chance the Dorset & Wilts One South leaders would fall to consecutive losses.

Nick Sheppard’s penalty put the hosts in front and they extended their lead when Quick ran in the first of his trio of tries, which the former converted.

Bridport hit back and saw Dave Cutting cross the whitewash to reduce the deficit going into the break.

Weymouth upped the tempo in the second period and regained control with Ian MacConnachie breaking through several tackles to make it 15-5.

A superb move from the backs and a fine kick through from Sheppard enabled Quick to add his second converted try of the afternoon.

The visitors responded once more as Luke King’s boot added three points but there was no stopping Quick who chipped the ball over the full-back before touching down to complete his treble.

Sheppard added the extras once more and although Mike Pipworth touched down for a late consolation, the result was never in doubt.

Head coach Harding said: “We were a bit more like our old selves. We played reasonably well and although it wasn’t our best performance, it was certainly a big improvement on last week.

“It was a tough game and Bridport gave us a good run for our money. But we played pretty well and scored some really good tries, so overall we’re very pleased.”

Both sides will be bidding to reach the final of the Dorset & Wilts Plate this weekend with Weymouth due to visit Westbury once again and Bridport travelling to Supermarine.