POOLE RFC entertained Wimborne RFC 3’s this Saturday on the moor, in the Counties 3 Dorset & Wilts South.

A mid table clash, with both sides looking to move up the table.

The Dolphins started the stronger, keeping control of the ball & setting the tempo.

The forwards dominating possession for both teams. Poole kept the ball in hand, mixing phase play between the forwards & the backs. Defending well when Wimborne attacked.

The pressure paid off with a multi-phase drive, stretching the Wimborne defence to give space for pack leader Jack Norris to touch down near the posts for the first score of the day.

Calmly converted by Ben McAllister. The Dolphins keep up the pressure, centre Sean Streets extended the dolphins’ lead.

(Image: Lauren Kelly/Photography by Lauren Kelly) Finishing a flowing move, again converted by Ben McAllister. Poole had to dig in when Wimborne had pressure in the Dolphins 22, going into the break 14-0 up.

The second half continued in the same vein, with the forwards dominating.

Poole stayed controlled & patient, soaking up Wimborne attacks & dominating in the scrum.

Poole moved the ball wide more often working from a solid platform. Wimborne adopted the same tactics & after some good play & pace they scored their only try of the game. Converted successfully to make the score 14-7.

The Poole response was positive, from the kick off, the forwards continued to break the line & make hard yards. The pressure was building & Wimborne could not cope as Flanker Dan Kennell scored Poole’s third try of the day.

(Image: Lauren Kelly/Photography by Lauren Kelly) The final score was 19-7, The Dolphins extending their winning run at home to two games.

Man of the match went to Dean Clark showing leadership from number eight, a grit & determination which led to a dominate forwards’ display.

Man of mistakes goes to Captain Olly Gilles-Day for kicking the ball away three times in the last couple of minutes thinking the game had finished.

Poole’s starting lineup – 1. M McCrudden, 2. K Clark, 3. J Norris (pl), 4. J Alden, 5. D Scolsa, 6. D Kennell, 7. G Whitehead, 8. D Clark, 9. O Giles-Day (c), 10. A Hidalgo-Small, 11. M Alford, 12. S Streets, 13. B McAllister, 14. B Pantling, 15. P Grogan. Replacements – J Hidalgo-Souto, K Pidgley, R Smith, N Vallory.

Poole are in action again verses Oakmeadians RFC 2’s in two weeks, November 30 away at Meyrick Park.

The Ladies game was postponed, due to the opposition unable to raise a side, they will be playing Saturday 23rd on the moor verses Weymouth & Portland RFC.