By Ellie Junge

PUDDLETOWN 13

SHERBORNE II 5

PUDDLETOWN came out on top after beating previously unbeaten leaders Sherborne Seconds in a top-of-the-table clash.

A good crowd enjoyed a tense but enthralling Dorset & Wilts Two South clash at Greenfields.

The hosts started the stronger and applied most of the early pressure, this was rewarded when after 15 minutes, right-wing James House gathered a well-judged cross field kick from fly-half Tom Yeatman and went over in the corner to score an unconverted try.

Sherborne responded and for the remainder of the first half battered the home try line, but the Villagers defended as if their lives depended on it.

Full-back Baz Dovell and flanker Chris Haynes typifying the commitment by putting in some excellent tackles.

After the break, Puddletown extended their lead to eight points, with captain Sam Bailey slotting a penalty kick after Sherborne were penalised for holding on in the tackle.

Once again, the visitors rallied and scored an unconverted try through their back-rower Steve Lennard.

With the score at 8-5 and into the final quarter of the match, it was a case of the next score wins it.

On this occasion it was the home side that made that vital score – number eight Pearce Mercer offloaded to centre Matt Watts who broke through the Sherborne defence in midfield, he passed on to Tom Yeatman who went over to score what was the winning try. Puddletown captain Sam Bailey said: “We are more than happy with the performance.

"The grit and determination of the guys was great and it shows where Puddletown are at within Dorset & Wilts rugby.

"It’s exciting to see rugby played with heart and passion and to make the club proud.

"Big thanks to all involved not only the players and replacements, but everyone else involved with supporting the club.”

This week Puddletown travel away to New Milton Thirds in a re-arranged league fixture.