SWANAGE and Wareham Rugby Club began their pre-season with a creditable loss to neighbours Bournemouth.

Hosts Bournemouth are in the league above Swanage and Wareham and ran out 24-17 winners, in a match played in four quarters of 20 minutes.

The opening try of the match came in the final minute of an even first quarter, with a penalty to Bournemouth taking them into the Swan’s 22, with a catch and drive taking the home side over.

The extras were missed, and Swanage and Wareham levelled the game at five points a piece four minutes into the second period.

Swans scrum half Ollie Peters worked his way over the line, but six minutes later the home side’s winger scored in the corner after a contentious pass that Swanage and Wareham believed to be forward.

There was a quick reply from the visitors, though, with Peters once again crossing the whitewash to level the game at 10 points apiece.

The home side were quick out of the blocks in the third quarter, with a move from the backs resulting in a try under the posts. With the extras added, Bournemouth pulled out to a 17-10 lead.

Despite some good moves in the backs from the Swans, Bournemouth extended their lead towards the end of the period.

Several phases close to the visitors’ posts saw the pressure converted, adding another try and the extras, taking the score to 24-10.

Swanage and Wareham closed the gap after 10 minutes in the final quarter, making territory pay as centre Lewis Reeves powered over and Conor Moag adding the conversion.

Both sides should have added to the scores, but the defences held firm, with the game ending 24-17.

The game was a good workout for both sides, as the season is set to get underway in September.