BRIDPORT 21 EAST DORSET 23

IT was a case of so near yet so far for Bridport against East Dorset – and not for the first time this season.

East Dorset edged the reverse fixture in October, and they left it late to complete a Dorset & Wilts Two South double over the Blues in the second league meeting between the sides at the Brewery Ground.

Bridport were first out of the blocks and debutant Freddy Woolner, in for the injured Rory Greening, landed a penalty to settle any early nerves.

The visitors then enjoyed a productive spell, twice winning turnover ball and scoring a couple of tries.

Back came the Blues and man of the match Woolner, who was having a fine game, added two more penalties.

East Dorset countered, pressurising Bridport’s defence into conceding a kickable penalty, but when a clearance went out on the full, Mike Pibworth spun through several tacklers to score. Woolner converted.

However, East Dorset won a turnover on halfway, tackles were missed, and another try gave them a 20-16 lead at half-time.

The second half started as the first, with Bridport enjoying most of the possession and territory.

From a Bridport scrum well inside the visitors’ 22, Pibworth broke with the ball and the supporting Dave Cutting had the pace to touch down.

The conversion was missed but Bridport had the lead and the momentum.

But from a position of strength, and being camped in the oppositions’ 22, the hosts managed to concede a penalty and were driven to the other end of the field where they conceded another in front of the posts.

A relieved East Dorset accepted Bridport’s seasonal generosity to snatch the win in the dying moments.

A disappointed Bridport could still take satisfaction from taking the league leaders right to the edge for a second time this term.

Bridport are away to North Dorset Thirds on Saturday.