ELLINGHAM & R II 17 BRIDPORT 39

BRIDPORT took their points tally over two games against Ellingham & Ringwood this season to five short of a century in Dorset & Wilts Two South.

Ellingham & Ringwood had a tough time of it when they visited the Blues back in November, losing three players to injury and the match 56-29.

With that in mind, Bridport travelled to Ringwood confident of reversing a run of three losses in the league.

However, early pressure from the visitors was not turned into points as both their set-piece and handling faltered.

In fact, the home side opened the scoring with a well-worked move which resulted in the full-back crossing the line in the corner. The conversion was added.

A turnover in midfield shortly afterwards saw some good interplay between Bridport man of the match Nathan Herbert and Lee Burdett.

The latter was set free to touch down out wide but the tricky conversion was missed.

Having got back in the game, Bridport then conceded two sloppy tries, neither of which was converted, leaving them trailing 17-5 at the end of a disappointing first half.

The second period saw Bridport suddenly spark into life and a dominant scrum provided quick ball for the backs.

A chance for Ricky Stubbs to surge through the defence to score was taken with both hands and stand-in kicker Will Everitt added the two points.

As the hail lashed down the game opened up, and oddly Bridport’s handling improved in the dreadful conditions.

Herbert was the first to benefit, pouncing on a loose ball and scoring under the posts. Everitt kicked a straight forward conversion.

Then came the try of the game as slick passing created an overlap for winger Joe Hewetson to score in the corner.

Now playing near their best, the visitors added three more good tries, all unconverted, from Daragh McLoughlin, Ollie Everitt and a length of the pitch effort from Burdett.

Bridport’s defence also remained solid in the second half and the hosts were unable to add to their 17 points.

The Blues are now clear in eighth place in the league standings, with the weekend’s triumph giving them a much-needed confidence boost ahead of this Saturday’s encounter against Bournemouth Thirds.

After that, Bridport look forward to two derby fixtures with Puddletown and Dorchester Seconds.