IT WAS a tough afternoon for Poole RFC men away at chapel gate Saturday afternoon.

A confident Poole faced a surprisingly youthful Bournemouth RFC 3s, looking to continue their winning momentum.

The first five minutes saw the teams sparing with confidence, it was Bournemouth who broke the deadlock crossing in the corner after moving the ball wide quickly.

This pattern continued throughout the first half. The Dolphins looked good in possession but couldn’t make headway against a stoic Bournemouth defence.

Bournemouth attacked at pace moving the ball wide & broke the whitewash regularly through the first half.

Bournemouth built a commanding lead at half time, leading 41-0.

The second half was a much more even affair, following coach Dave Skilton’s moral boosting team talk.

Poole managed to shut down the ball quicker & Bournemouth couldn’t get as wide as quickly.

Both sides had chances, through good rugby.

Bournemouth extended their lead before Poole finally got on the score board with a multi-phase drive, Captain Ollie Giles-Day scrambling over with a short pick & drive. Juan Hidalgo-Souto adding the conversion to make the most of the opportunity.

A disappointment for the dolphins, however pride can be taken from the second half performance.

Each player gave 100% for the shirt providing resilience to draw the second half & no-one gave up. Giving a final score of 48-7 to Bournemouth.

Man Of the Match went to Ben Spowart, an all-action display at outside half.

Targeted for rough housing as most 10’s are, he kept his calm & played very well.

Man of Mistakes goes to Dan Kennell, with a move to flank from his usual centre position, the temptation to box kick couldn’t be quelled.

The ball could still be in orbit, it went that high, however in his own 22 it should have gone forward, rather then backwards as it did.

Poole’s starting lineup – 1. J Norris (pl), 2. R McCrudden, 3. N Vallory, 4. J Alden, 5. D Scolsa, 6. N Courage, 7. D Kennel, 8. A King, 9. O Giles-Day (c), 10. B Spowart, 11. K Pidgley, 12. S Streets, 13. A Hidalgo-Small, 14. B Panting, 15. A Marshall. Replacements – J Hidalgo-Souto, B McAllister, R James, B Maidment.

The Dolphins are back in action next week, away again, facing Wimborne RFC 3’s.

The Ladies game was postponed from Sunday, they are next in action Sunday at home, verses Valkyries RFC.