Subs get Blues off to good start

Bridport 24 Wimborne 3rds 15

BRIDPORT began life in Dorset and Wilts Division One with a battling victory at the Brewery Ground.

The first ten minutes were played sensibly by the Blues as they sized up their more mature opponents. But Wimborne were gifted a 12 point lead through a number of basic errors and a lapse of concentration in defence.

After the visitors' second try, Bridport bounced back immediately with some fine forward play allowing Jack Edwards to go over with assistance from Tony Herbert.

The hosts remained the classier of the two sides with Chris Scaddings causing huge problems to his opposite number at the back of the scrums.

But to Wimborne's credit, the overall pace of the game was played to their liking and following a Tim Edward's offside, they took a further three-point advantage. Bridport clawed their way back into the game with a powerful individual try by Dave Blakesley, driving his way through three tackles to touch down after a fine display of confident running by prop Brett Chant.

With 15 minutes remaining, the Blues made two key substitutions with Rob Davies and Chris Backhouse entering the field.

Both made immediate contributions with Davies scoring in the corner and Backhouse converting the try with a fantastic kick from the touch line to put their team in front for the first time, 17-15.

Wimborne could not respond to the continued home pressure which paved way for full-back Matt Wedge finish the game off in style.

Backhouse, having his favourite kicking boots on, sent the No.10 sponsored match ball between the uprights.

Other results: Blandford 40 Bournemouth 2nds 7; North Dorset 2nds 34 Swanage 3rds 15; Puddletown 12 Oakmedians 3rds 13; Weymouth 25 Dorchester 2nds 0

*Blandford 2nds 27 Bridport 2nds 34

BRIDPORT Seconds first taste of league action started with a only XV players and several playing out of position.

The Blues played superbly, with great heart, despite conceding their first try within the first couple of minutes.

They ended the match with just 13 players on the field due to injuries. Steve Hodder (3), Luke Allan (1 try, 2 conversions), Dibby Cummings and Tom Swotridge got the tries.