A narrow defeat for battling 'bridge

Fordingbridge were out to put right the performance of a few weeks earlier, with players like Richard Maltby, Craig Stocker and James Robinson returning to the starting line up although in unfamiliar positions. The Achilles heal for Fordingbridge has been that they have conceded early scores and have found themselves chasing the game from the outset, Weymouth came at Fordingbridge early, but the defence was sound in and around the breakdown, and when the ball was released to the backs, the impressive defensive midfield partnership of Richard Maltby and James Robinson not only tackled on the gain line but pushed Weymouth back over it, an outstanding achievement which raised the level of the whole team.

It was an even contest throughout, but Weymouth edged ahead, through their #9 kicking the penalty goals, which proved vital in them securing the win. Fordingbridge just before halftime had an opportunity of their own, but inspirational skipper Jon Vass dropped the ball in process of pushing for the line. Heads didn’t drop as we all knew that he would be paying for that in the bar after the match.

Fordingbridge’s pack more than matched Weymouth who had a strong front row, and a mobile back row that carried well throughout the match, but the defence of Fordingbridge again repelled their advances.

What could have been a turning point in the half is the Weymouth loose head prop receiving a short pass from the scrum half who sprinted all of 35 metres without a hand being placed on him, what had been a solid defence had been broken. In previous weeks this could have been a bad omen, but ‘bridge picked themselves up and responded with three tries of their own, through Ed Snowball on as replacement, Rob Holbrook and skipper Jon Vass. Unfortunately all of the conversions were missed leaving the final score as Fordingbridge 15 Weymouth 16.

Lots of positives, but still some bits and pieces to work on, and we will continue to search for that elusive win in the league this season. Plenty of positive feed back from the supporters on the touchline, left the team on a high.