Colts kicked into touch by late double

Wells U18 Colts 5 Bridport U18 Colts 15

A brace of late tries condemned Wells to defeat despite a spirited display against Bridport.

The city side again were depleted in numbers but, thanks to support from the under-16s, fielded a full side, with Jake Mickleburgh, Mitch DiClaudio, Jack Ealy and Owen Ricketts all coming into the line-up.

Playing down the slope, Wells impressed from the kick-off, with Alex Mallon making significant yardage gains and the Wells pack went through the phases, allowing good possession for man of the match Sam Butler.

Ned Lloyd-Jones carried well, while the pace of Ricketts and Ealy created width. The sizeable Bridport pack were held firm at the set-piece and DiClaudio secured valuable possession.

The visitors were always threatening, though, and turned the ball over with quick hands to score a try in the corner against the run of play.

Wells came back, showed control through the pack and were quick to spot overlaps. Butler threaded a perfect grubber kick though and the pace and strength of Ricketts saw him score a memorable touchdown.

The scores were level at the break but Wells lost centre Lloyd–Jones through injury just after the restart. Freddie Whittaker moved in to the centre, allowing Bridport to exert pressure through their pack.

Mickleburgh kept the supply of ball flowing from the half-backs and Wells kept the pace of the game high. The Bridport pack worked hard and won the game for the visitors with two scores in the final few minutes.

The city side worked hard throughout and were unlucky not to come away with a losing bonus point.