BRIDPORT put up a brave fight against Bournemouth in the last of this summer’s water polo sea matches at West Bay.

The hosts started the match slowly and conceded a goal within the opening minute, but they soon cancelled it out through Libor Hradil, who levelled by sneaking the ball between the visiting goalkeeper and the near post.

Tim Banbury then put Bridport ahead before Bournemouth hit back in the second quarter to take a 3-2 half-time lead after Will Bowen-Ashwin was sent out for a major foul through an aggressive tackle.

The home side desperately needed to regroup but once again they were caught off-guard when play resumed as the visitors came out all guns blazing and netted twice more – one of which came through a cheeky tap-in from a pinpoint cross.

Bournemouth now had their tails up and would have been out of sight had it not been for some impeccable saves from Adam Hoskins, who came into his own in the second half to keep his side in the game.

Clair Scarborough then pulled one back for Bridport with a rocket shot from a tight angle but they then conceded another, taking the score to 6-3 going into the final quarter.

This time it was the home team that flew out of the blocks at the restart and when Ollie Bowen-Ashwin took quick advantage of a foul by powering the ball into the roof of the net, the comeback was on.

However, Bournemouth defended stoutly and when Bridport poured more people forward in the closing stages in a desperate bid to get back in it, the away side caught them on the break with two more goals to finish the contest 8-4 winners.

Water Polo training has now started at the Bridport Leisure Centre on Monday evenings at 6pm for ages eight and up- wards.

For more information contact Fred Fowler on 07917105919.