BRIDPORT 18

LYTCHETT MINSTER 7

A strong Bridport team take to the field with George Chapman stepping up from the successful Colts side, to make his senior team debut, whilst adding pace and enthusiasm.

Bridport started well, taking advantage of the wind behind them they were quickly camped in the Lytchett half.

Continued pressure from Bridport quickly resulted in Lytchett being penalised for a high tackle and Bridport were awarded a penalty. The first points were kicked by Cam Waite and Bridport were up and running, 3-0 in the first 5mins.

The kick-off was gathered safely and through some clever phases of rugby and accurate kicking from Charlie Samways, Bridport were back into the Lytchett half.

Although the Lytchett scrum was dominating the set piece, Bridport were able to counter the clearance kicks with some strong running from the back three, who were both safe under the high ball and looked threatening when they had the ball in hand.

Bridport spent much of the first half in the Lytchett half, picking up penalties from several high tackles and infringements. Strong direct running from Oscar Tompkins and Hugh Vivian kept the Lytchett side honest, although unfortunately the final pass just never seemed to go to hand and the opportunities of a clean break and try went begging on several occasions.

What Bridport were able to do was continued to keep the score board turning through further penalty kicks. Waite added a further 2 to his tally before the half time and Bridport went in 9-0.

Lytchett started positively, and like Bridport in the 1st half, started to use the wind to gain territory. A great break from Iwan Mullin, who had an excellent game, supported by Samways relieved the pressure that had been building by the Lytchett side. Waite added a further penalty from this break, giving Bridport a 12-0 lead.

Making the most of the disruption of losing both George Hussey and Daragh McCloughlin in the backrow, Lytchett won a line out and moved the ball swiftly through the backs to score a converted try, putting pressure back on the Bridport side, 12-7.

Losing a Lytchett forward for a second yellow card for high tackling, gave Bridport numerical advantage, a great help in such a tight and nervy second half.

A dis-functional lineout and a struggling scrum meant that Bridport had to dominate the breakdown. This was done well forcing penalties from Lytchett, which resulted in 2 further penalties, taking Bridport to a secure final score of 18-7.