Despite the inform Iwan Mullin and injured Oscar Tompkins being absent this week, Bridport travelled away to Oakmeadians with a competitive side.

Due to the absentees, the team had to be reshuffled. Luke Robertson slipping back to No 8, where his strong ball carrying could still be effective and Hugh Vivian was asked to move to 13, a contrasting position that he adapted to quickly and played very well despite being away from his beloved forwards.

Unfortunately, despite a competitive first 5 minutes where Bridport carried well at the Oakmeadians defence, it was Oakmeadians who were quick to utilise their backs, who were particularly influential throughout the day.

Before Bridport realised that they weren’t still on the bus, they were 31-0 to the deficit. Oakmeadians dominating the lineout, moving the ball quickly out to their wings, who were gliding through tackles and scoring almost at will.


At this stage, it looked like it was going to be a long afternoon for Bridport. However, Bridport at last warmed to the task, retaining ball and driving effectively into the well organised pressure defence of Oakmeadians.

It was unfortunate that Oakmeadians were to score next. A speculative grubber kick, and a lucky bounce, allowed Oakmeadians to stretch the lead to a commanding 36-0.

Bridport weren’t to be put down, moving quickly into the Oakmeadians half through some strong carries from Louis Cornick, Stewart Burton and some ‘desperate’ charges from Daragh McCloughlin, resulted in Bridport’s first converted try. Making the half time score 36-7.

After an initially positive start from Bridport, Oakmeadians again scored through their winger which was quickly followed up with a further unconverted try to leave the score 48-7.

Despite this score, Bridport were to respond with their best quarter of the game. The scrum dominating the set piece, lineouts more secure and the backs linked well to keep the Oakmeadians focused on their defence rather than attack.

Finally, the pressure and toil resulted in an unconverted try for Bridport, tight forward play finally allowing the ball to find some open space, and the try was scored by Harrison Wilkins.

However, this positive response was quickly repelled with Oakmeadians adding their last converted try, scored by the No.10 who had been instrumental throughout the afternoon, the score 55-12.

But back came Bridport, quick hands down the tight 5m line releasing Vivian, who showed a turn of pace not usually seen from his usual 8 position, to score an unconverted try in the corner, 55-17.

Realizing that there was the chance of a well-deserved try bonus point, Bridport made one final concerted effort. A fumble in the centres and an optimistic hack through resulted in Vivian again scoring the bonus point try, final score 55-22.

Despite the score line margin, Bridport must be commended for sticking to the task and not allowing their heads to drop. Securing a bonus point away to Oakmeadians was a well-deserved result and one that the team should take heart from.