Fordingbridge welcomed table topping Poole to Brownsey's Field, with Poole knowing that a victory would all but secure the Dorset & Wilts III South title.

With a squad of 22 players available, but 18 of them being forwards you would expect that there was only going to be one type of game they could play... However, with a philosophy of running rugby being coached throughout the club, it didn't matter what number was on 'bridge players backs, they can all handle and fill in where required. This was epitomized by Harry Hitchings normally a second row, slotting in at inside centre.

While Saracens were playing in front of a world record crowd at Wembley, a Dorset & Wilts record crowd assembled on the touch line, hoping that 'bridge could keep their rich vein of form going. Early exchanges were dominated Poole, and indiscipline crept in to the 'bridge team, with the breakdown a source of concern, players going off their feet and not releasing the tackled player. Playing with the brisk breeze, Poole slotted two well taken penalties, and 'bridge were on the back foot for the first time in a number of weeks, and Poole showing why they are top of the table.

Things went from bad to worse when 'bridge lost their scrum half Jordan Donaldson, who again showed his versatility by playing out of position. With head physio Matthew Freeman giving the youngster a compulsory concussion test, he was deemed not fit enough to return to action, this resulted in back row forward Ben Bealey slotting in at 9.

With Poole a constant threat in attack, 'bridge were forced to concede a scrum on their own line, whilst Poole were never going to push the weighty 'bridge pack over the line, they worked a pre set move and scored an unconverted try.

11 - 0 down with 25 minutes gone, it was looking ominous for the men in sky blue and they were looking slightly rudderless, with skipper Dave Gogin again missing in action, it was left to the players to dig deep and see how much they wanted to defend the fortress.

With a large pack, a change of emphasis was needed. Dominate the scrum, dominate the ruck, dominate the maul 'bridge turned the tables on Poole and played them at their own game. This worked. Philip Collier, again inspired by his number one supporter, with the glint in his eye, which was prevalent at Weymouth, returned with his usual barnstorming charges.

"Whenever you are confronted with an opponent. Conquer him with love.” Inspired by the words of Mahatma Gandhi, the 'love' of the game returned, Josh Merry proving there is no substitute for pace, the 18 year old outstripping the Poole defence in quick succession to score a brace just before half time. Both conversions missed.

Half Time 10 - 11

Half Time with 'bridge trailing by a solitary point, and whilst they had adapted their game, a change was needed. Rob Hay who had just returned after a long spell out through injury was given a break to work on his 'law' qualifications, replaced by second team stalwart Mark Price who had just returned from test driving his new cruise ship.

Also coming on at half time was Welsh basketball international Iestyn Williams who again slotted in at centre, without his customary head band. The game in the balance young George Roche normally a front row forward, looked across with his puppy dog eyes at skipper for the day Parry, he was desperate to get on. His time would come!!

With the battle continuing upfront 'bridge began to dominate the scrum, this creating a platform for the makeshift backs to exploit. Again hat trick hero Merry crossed the line. This converted by Dean Lewis now kicking with the wind.

With Chris Spain legs tiring after an arduous season both mentally and physically, it was time to introduce young Nick Rundle who himself returned after a couple of weeks injured, the youngster adding a fresh impetus against a tiring Poole pack.

Alex Tattersall who at 8 is one of the most destructive forwards playing at this level, but what happened next bizarrely made him our DOD. With 'bridge looking to gain the upper hand he thought he had scored the bonus try and a comfortable gap.... Like Forest Gump he kept going and going and going OVER the dead ball line!! Life wasn't a box of chocolates.

Like an itch that wouldn't go away, crowd pleaser George Roche finally entered the field of play with a point to prove. His first touch was not great, and he almost got sent back to the bench, with a knock on. Fired up he was determined to make up for this.

With another spurned try Alex Sanders dropping the ball over the line, were 'bridge ever going to get that safety try??? It was left to Tim Beer to continue his impressive form to cross the line. Converted by Dean Lewis.

24 - 11 and with a nice lead, 'bridge knew Poole would come back, and with their tenacious scrum half Justin Danville, belying his advancing years, they peppered the 'bridge defence sniping around the rucks and mauls, but the 'bridge defence held strong, and defence was turned into attack. Backs linking with forwards resulted in skipper Parry being in midfield with the exhausted Poole defence disappearing the try line was begging, but it was back.... that itch was screaming outside and with a perfectly judged pass, Parry sent the steamroller Roche crashing over the line with Poole literally flattened by the youngster.

The threat never went away from Poole, despite being 29 - 11 ahead 'bridge opted to kick a penalty which would give Poole a mountain to climb. 32 - 11.

The final try was scored by Alex Sanders who made up for his error earlier in the match by crossing in the corner.

Final Score 37 - 11.

22 players used. Colts mixed with Veterans a true second team performance.

Next weekend sees a charity event for MacMillan Cancer Suppotrt, where two sporting team collide in their respective sports for a great cause.