OAKMEADIANS 34

BRIDPORT 3

BRIDPORT could not repeat their heroics of last week against a strong, well-organised Oakmeadians who moved to the top of the Counties Two Tribute Dorset & Wilts South with a 34-3 victory.

Again, unfortunately for the Blues, late withdrawals from the matchday squad and on-field injuries meant a re-organisation of the back line and full use of all their substitutes.

Despite the defeat much heart will be taken from a dominant performance in the scrums, credit due to forwards coach Ross Duncan, which was sadly counterbalanced by an excellent defensive performance from Oakmeadians, whose line speed in defence restricted the Blues to a solitary Jed Gravelle drop goal.

READ MORE: Bridport 28-26 Lytchett Minster - match report

The Blues were soon under the cosh from the kick-off conceding an early penalty giving a line-out in their 22. They cleared the ball but excellent attacking play from Oaks gave them an early score and a 5-0 lead.

Bridport could not make any real headway following the kick-off and despite a Charlie Samways interception and kick through they were turned over by the Oaks' defence conceding a penalty in the 22 which was converted for an 8-0 lead.

The game then became very scrappy with the Blues coming close when from a dominant five-metre scrum they drove to the line only for George Hussey to be held up.

Oaks conceded a penalty and Jed Gravelle’s penalty drifted just wide. The drop-out was charged down but Oaks kicked the ball out on the full.

The line-out was lost but again excellent rucking forced a knock-on and the forwards after a superb drive from the scrum were again held up by a strong defence.

The half drew to the close with no further scores after Gravelle’s second penalty, conceded in the 22, hit the post and was scrambled clear.

Just before the whistle, the returning George Hussey suffered another serious injury leaving the field with a potential dislocated collar bone.

Second-half play started much the same as the first with Oaks making early progress into the Blues' 22 and being held back by good defensive work.

When they got the ball, Bridport could not make any clean line breaks as the Oaks' line speed in defence was excellent and they found themselves conceding two converted tries in quick succession following a yellow card for Gravelle for an offence in a ruck.

Bridport then enjoyed probably their best period of the match with the forwards dominating the scrums and getting good ball away but as before the Oaks defence held firm and all the Blues got was the well-taken drop goal by Gravelle.

However, with more switches of players due to injury and despite the second yellow card of the game to an Oaks player the Blues' defence tired, allowing their opponents to score two further tries before the final whistle.

With some missing players returning next week the Blues will hope for an improved performance in the local derby at home to Puddletown.