FROME SECONDS 13

BRIDPORT 22

BRIDPORT got their season off to a winning start but it did not come without its trials and tribulations.

The Blues had not even reached the venue when their hired mini bus punctured and then blew a gasket seven miles away from their destination.

That was far from ideal preparation for this Dorset & Wilts One South opener but somehow they overcame that adversity to register a 22-13 win.

First-team skipper Rob Sulli-van said: “It was an evenly matched game with lots of hard tackles and good defence from both sides.

“However, we had the upper hand with stand-in captain Dave Cutting, playing out of position at nine, constantly disrupting the opposition’s rhythm. He also scored two tries while Rory Greening, in an unfamiliar role at 10, grabbed one and also kicked a conversion and a penalty.

“Frome were solid in defence and attack, and they also disrupted our line-outs on occasions and were slightly better in the scrums, but in the end the boys stuck together for a good win against well-drilled opposition.

“Hopefully we can now take that performance into this Saturday’s home game against East Dorset when we will look to build on the positives.

“Things look to be shaping up well but more commitment at training is still required.”

Tim Edwards returned to the Bridport ranks at Frome and Sullivan was delighted to see him back.

He added: “It was a great return for Tim although he did receive a yellow card for constant infringements.

“Ayorinde Fraser was also shown a soft yellow for apparently slowing the ball down while one of their lads picked up one for foul play.”

* Bridport Seconds recorded a fine 17-7 win against Blandford in Dorset & Wilts Four.

The Blues, led by new skipper and ex-club chairman Wayne Munroe at the age of 53, scored three tries through Will Challis, Mark Gough and Mark Botten. Gough also added a conversion.

One sour note for Bridport Seconds was an injury to Tom Milton, who split his head open in the opening 10 minutes and had to go to Dorset County Hospital.

The Blues’ next assignment is a trip to Weymouth on Saturday.

* Bridport Under-16s also enjoyed victory in their first match of the season. They beat Oakmeadians 31-0 thanks to excellent kicking from Freddie Warren and great play from Steve Davis, who almost had a hat-trick of tries.