WIMBORNE II 7

WEYMOUTH & PORTLAND 32

LEADERS Weymouth & Portland remain joint-top and unbeaten in Counties Two Tribute Dorset & Wilts South following a soaking-wet 32-7 win at Wimborne Seconds.

Played out in swirling wind, rain and muddy conditions, the Seahorses’ afternoon was complicated further by a number of player re-jigs.

Captain Billy Hayne moved from hooker to flanker and James Newsam switched from flanker to eight, while regular number eight Andy Bowditch filled in at inside centre.

There were further changes when Lewis Allan came across to fly-half from scrum-half, Karl Sankey stepped up from the bench to play hooker and Jacob Brunell came inside from the wing to scrum-half.

READ MORE: Puddletown 0-76 Weymouth & Portland - match report

Matt Savage also came out of retirement to undertake kicking duties and amid the musical chairs, the Seahorses were four tries up by half-time.

Scott Greaney, Tim Comben, Bowditch and Chris Norton were the scorers, with Greaney’s try coming off the back of a slick team move before running in from 40 metres.

Norton scored from a well-worked line-out routine as the Seahorses prevented the hosts from scoring in the first half.

Wimborne could only respond when the visitors conceded numerous penalties, allowing the Minstermen to pick and go through the phases.

Hayne then ran in unopposed to finish off a flowing move as Weymouth & Portland completed their fourth straight win over their opponents.

Speaking to Echosport, Hayne said: “We’re really happy with how we’re progressing as a squad.

“We had to make a fair few changes with players playing out of position. To go to Wimborne and win, when they’re sitting third in the table, is pretty good.”

Hayne’s men now host Bournemouth Thirds on Saturday at Monmouth Avenue.

“It’s been a fantastic start,” he said. “It’s been a bit stop-start because we’ve had two games cancelled and it’s only our second game at home this season.

“We’re really trying to build some momentum, so we’re looking forward to playing at home.

“They’re struggling with results, so hopefully we get some more boys back involved and keep building.

“The overall environment is very good, very positive. James has come in from Dorchester and got involved, he’s a senior voice on the pitch.

“The players are really stepping up. We’re all buying in to really trying to have a good season.”

Will Quick (broken hand) misses out but Craig Barter and Hamish Jeffcott return. Dan Hayne (ankle) is a doubt.