WEYMOUTH & PORTLAND 20

SHERBORNE 26

WEYMOUTH & Portland were undone in the final minutes of their Counties One Tribute Southern South clash with Sherborne, losing 26-20 at Monmouth Avenue.

The Seahorses were on course to cause an upset against a side relegated from the Regional Two Tribute South West last season.

However, late Sherborne pressure when Weymouth were down to 14 men with a Scott Greaney sin-bin, ensured the north Dorset side found a way to win.

Weymouth & Portland regrouped superbly after conceding a second-minute try, stemming from a crossfield kick.

READ MORE: Weymouth & Portland 29-41 North Dorset - report

Reece Makin responded with the hosts’ first try, converted by Ryan Lewendon, but Sherborne breached the home defence for a second try before the break.

Makin completed a brace after excellent ground work from Weymouth & Portland, turning the ball over inside their own 22 to allow Makin to sprint the length of the pitch and score underneath the posts.

Lewendon also kicked two penalties to push the Seahorses into the lead but Sherborne hauled themselves to within a point at 20-19 when they scored in the corner.

However, with Greaney cautioned for allegedly retaliating to a Sherborne player, the visitors took full advantage by scampering over in the corner with a minute to go, also adding the conversion.

Speaking to Echosport, Bament denied ill discipline had cost his side.

He said: “I wouldn’t say it was, it was something silly that needn’t have been done. Maybe the referee was possibly influenced but I thought he had a very good game.

“Sherborne just being a good team made the extra man count, exactly how you would expect.

“They were certainly there for the taking. It could’ve been a turning point but it’s a team game for 80 minutes and there were moments where we could’ve scored further.

“It’s just one of those things, gutting.”

Following a tough opening schedule which has pitted the Seahorses against three of the current top five, Weymouth & Portland now travel to fellow promoted side Corsham on Saturday.

Bament added: “I expect a ding-dong battle. They got the automatic promotion spot and we got the play-off spot.

“I’m looking forward to it. Playing the big teams gives you confidence and the players know they’re capable of playing at this level.

“It’s an extremely tough start to the season. Corsham normally have a big bunch of forwards but we normally have a big bunch, so I imagine it will be won and lost in the forwards.”

Billy Hayne and Dan Hayne are unavailable, while Tim Comben (bicep) is doubtful.