Blandford kicked off the season with a win, playing Puddletown at home winning 17-5. Starting the game strong, Blandford's constructive plan gave them much possession. The strong forward pack and quick recycling of the ball landed the first try for Blandford after quick hands in the backs opened up space on the wing for Doug Baker to score. Puddletown's defence was strong proving hard to puncture, with both teams repeatedly hitting the ball up creating impressive tackeling from both sides. The first half closed 5-5 to a late try after a long phase to phase attack on the Blandford try line, Puddletown using quick ball and runners to break through. Rolling into the second half the score remained unchanged, repeated infringements by Puddletown resulting in sin bins for killing the ball at the breakdown, combining with Blandford's strong efforts at scrum time, possession was kept and the ball turned over. Puddletown halted repeated strikes by the back line of Blandford, but couldn't stop a rolling maul deep in their half with the forward's forcing back their opposition over their own line for Joe Brake to score a well earned second try for Blandford which was converted by Kev Robbins. Fitness seemed to be Blandford's helping hand in the final stage of the game. The team's efforts throughout the summer paying off as they stuck at it in the heat. Marc Ricketts dove over the line just before full time sealing the win for Blandford's first game of the season. Blandford 2XV also beat Puddletown 2XV away 37-17. Blandford 1XV's next game is at home on the Blandford School's pitches on 26 September 2009 against Swanage & Wareham 2XV. Kick off at 3pm. Blandford 2XV will be away at a cup match on 19 September 2009.

Report submitted by: Toby Kenneally, Blandford Rugby Club Press Secretary

Swans came to Blandford to get their season up and running on the back of a league defeat to the highly rated Weymouth and put Blandford under pressure and nearly scored within the first couple of minutes. James Burry unfortunately had an injury and had to come off after only a couple of minutes. He was replaced by the experienced Joe Brake, but after a couple of minutes Swans scored making it 0-5. Although starved of the ball Blandford managed to get a quick ball out to the backs where Lawrence West make a good break and scored his first try of the season, with Doug Baker converting making the score 7-5. Marc Ricketts then got an injury and Blandford lost thieir second forward very early in the game, he was replaced by Toby Kennedy who was returning from injury.

Once again Swans attacked and gained a try from some good phases to make the score 5-10. Swans continued to pressurise the new boys to the league and were attacking when the quick thinking Doug Baker make a good interception from 60m out, he showed a clean pair of heels to score, another conversation from him making it 14-10.

Both sets of forwards competed well, but Swans had the more solid scrummage and good tactical kicking to put them deep into Blandford's half. Once again they took the lead 14-15. In the last minute before half time Blandford responded well and got a penalty 25m out in front of the post, it was hastily taken and resulted in a knock on.

Half Time 14-15.

After half time both sides were very competitive and most of the play was played in the middle of the field with both sets of forwards trying to dominate. Blandford then made their final substution where Mark Focsamy replaced Lizard )scrum half debut) who had played well. The team was shuffled around and Blandford started to make their fitness count when Team Captain Lee Haim made some darting runs and finally broke the Swans line to create the next try where he was unselfish and put Lawrence West in the corner from about 3m out to take his second try of the day, once again Doug Baker converted to make the score 21-15.

Following some good kicking from James McCrae the Blandford forwards took control of the forwards battle. Following some good scrummaging they had a couple of near pushover tries, this resulted in them finally pushing the scrum over the line where ever youthful Joe Brake got hs second try of the season, Doug Baker converting to make the score 28-15.

Swans rallied and got another try of their own to make the score 28-20, once again following good kicking and taking field position the Blandford forwards got an injury time penalty, unfortunately it was slightly wide of the post.

This was Blandford's toughest test for more than a year, they showed good character and determination to come away with the points.

Final Score 28-20.

This takes Blandford to third place in the table as one of 3 teams that remain unbeaten.

Report submitted by: Ian Neil, Head Coach

Blandford travelled to their first away game of the league season at Frome, with 14 players either injured or not available. Frome put pressure on Blandford and against the run of play Andy Williamson picked up a loose ball and ran 80m to score in the corner to make it 0-5. Frome then attacked and each time they lost possession Blandford gained about 30-40m. On two occasions Will was very unlucky not to put the team further ahead when he broke the line but was brought down inches from the line. Blandford did not provide enough possession.

This gave Frome the territory that they need for continuous attack and they then took the lead 7-5 at the 20 minutes gone point. They went further ahead to make the score 12-5 then 19-5. But about 5 minutes before half time Doug Baker scored another try to make the score 19-12.

Half Time 19-12

The second half did not get any better, each time Blandford had the ball they were penalised when it went to ground, we had 3 knock-ons awarded against us, even though we did not have possession, before he awarded four tries:

the knock on try, the attacker dropped the ball when wrapped in goal, no where near the ground
the 3 passes forward before the try
the held up in goal
the run outside the corner flag try

Lee Haim scored a good individual try attacking from Full Back running from half way then chipping the Full Back and chasing the ball to score.

We also had Andy in the bin for being offside at a penalty, and Will was also sin binned for offside.

All of the players put their hearts into the game, but did not get any reward for their efforts the score does not reflect the game.

Full Time 49-17

Lets get all the players back to training and regain momentum, we are 5th in the table on goal difference as both Weymouth and Bridport lost. The league is still there to be

Report submitted by: Ian Neil, Head Coach

Blandford made the journey to Oakmeadians home grounds this weekend for what turned out to be a battle for possession.

Within minutes of the first half Blandford were forced to rearrange the squad through injury to their fly half and prop, but quickly made positional changes and continued with the game.

The opening exchanges showed extreme effort from both sides to win ball, with equal possession in all areas of the park. Oakmeadians were clearly a well-drilled outfit and mauled impressively against Blandford, gaining many yards.

Blandford produced periods of strong running up the middle of the pitch but Oakmeadians defence was impressive and halted every advance, this trend continued until half time where the score was left 0-0.

Oakmeadians started the second half with renewed speed and aggression, pushing Blandford back into there own half, winning there own rucks and shipping the ball out effectively to score a converted try.

Play continued to be aggressive and intense in the forwards area resulting in ball repeatedly being turned over. This open and somewhat scrappy play lead to Oakmeadians scoring again, catching Blandford off guard and running through the defensive line.

Blandford rallied together and through hard yards gained by the forwards rucking and mauling forced their opponents back. Marc Ricketts coming on at half time stormed his way through the centres to claim a try in front of the posts, converted by Kev Robbins.

Oakmeadians replied with another breakaway run along the left wing, with good hands showing a wide variety of skills in their backline.

Pressure from the forwards gave an opportunity for the Blandford backs to capitalise with a try in the corner scored by Will Blevin. Who had deserved a try after producing many breakaway runs through out the game.

Oakmeadians showed no sign of slowing down continuing to take advantage of the open play running in a try in the last phase of the game, finishing off an impressive and absorbing game. Final score 33-12. Blandford's next game is a Dorset & Wilts cup game away at Supermarine.

Report submitted by: Toby Kenneally, Blandford Rugby Club Press Secretary

Blandford put the last two weeks behind them with an excellent win against Wimborne 2nds.

The opening exchanges were very frantic with possession going back and forth constantly. Wimborne opened the scoring when a fine cross-field kick was picked up by the 14 to score in the corner. Blandford reply was immediate with the forwards dominating the set piece making countless yards up the field. This gave the backs good field position to orchestrate a fine move that released Adam Jones to race in at the corner to notch his first try for the senior 1st team. The missed conversion from out wide left the score at 7 – 5. Blandford then dominated possession but were unable to capitalise before the half time break.

Blandford started the 2nd half with a lot more aggression pinning wimborne in their half. This time Blandford were able to get points on the board with an opportunist drop goal from Doug Baker.

Wimborne were awarded a penalty for hands in the ruck and their fly half managed to slot the kick from a difficult position to make the score 10 – 8 to Wimborne.

Blandford then stepped up a gear and started to gain the upper hand. Marc Ricketts standing out, smashing holes through the defensive line. All this pressure resulted in two more penalties in quick succession that were both slotted by Doug Baker.

Chris Kerly then got sin binned for an alleged kick at the ruck. Even with a man down Blandfords pack excelled, holding strong at the scrum, winning balls against the head and even pushing wimborne back over their own line for Marc Ricketts to fall on the ball and score, Doug Baker converting.

Chris Kerly came straight back from the sin bin and immediately made up for his penalty by bulldozing his way over for a try in the corner, Doug Baker converting from a tight angle.

Final Score 27-10 to Blandford

Match photos can be viewed here

Blandford 1st next game is Salisbury 2nds away on the 7th of November

Report submitted by: Leani Haim, Blandford Rugby Club Honorary Secretary

Blandford made the journey to Salisbury Saturday to take on their second team squad.

From the first whistle Blandford made impressive yards and very nearly sealed an early try. Salisbury were not as strong in the forward area which showed at the breakdown, an area that Blandford had well drilled. Some poor kicking from Salisbury continued to let them down and possibly didn't show the full potential of their 15. Early tries and a penalty for Blandford started to notch up and reward the away side for good play. Wingers Lawrence Collins and Will Blevins both showed power with strong running and dominance of their opposite number, with skillful hand offs and tackles when on defence. Possession was mostly Blandfords and the ball spent most of the time in Salisbury's territory. Salisbury made some strong rolling attacks at points, but in the first half were unable to finish off with points.

Blandford approached the second half with confidence and play did not change, with Nick Frampton setting up a good link with the backs which produced crisp passing and time on the ball. More tries were put down against the home side by a string of players, which included Chris Kerley, J Frampton, Marc Ricketts, Jimmy Collis, Nick Frampton and Doug Baker who also kicked a penalty and converted all but one try. However Salisbury did not give up and fought back with a rolling forwards attack gaining one unconverted try.

Blandford are at home next week to face on the strong side Bridport.

Report submitted by: Toby Kenneally, Blandford Rugby Club Press Secretary

Blandford met with the dominant side Bridport at home this weekend to play a tough game. A quick start showed intensity and play was back and forth, handling from Blandford was pressured and Bridport was soon 3-0 up after a penalty in front of the posts.

More dominating constructive play from Bridport showed strength and determination paying off with their No. 8 off the back of the scrum for a converted try in the corner. 10-0

Bridport came back shortly with their open-side flanker running in an unconverted try after Blandford's defence were unable to stop an interception.

Blandford held strong and attacked with force with Lawrence Collins unfortunately being held up over the Bridport line. With a 5 metre scrum Blandford looked close capitalising but were forced back. Bridport penalised for killing the ball lead to Doug Baker punching three points over the bar just before half time.10-3

Though trailing at the start of the second half Blandford lead with excellent aggression and spent their time deep in the Bridport line pushing them back on the heels. Strong play lead to a messy breakdown where Blandford were rewarded with another penalty, unfortunately missed, resulting in a 22 drop out.

Tension showed as Blandford seemed unable to finish off their attack with points. Yellow cards were exchanged as both sides went to 14 men. A rearrangement in the forwards for Blandford saw No. 15 Lee Haim (c) come into scrum half to try and finish off the long phase to phase play.

Bridport's No. 9 stretched the laws of the game and pressured his opposite number James Mcrae throughout the game, but this was well avoided with clever quick ball from No. 8 Jimmy Collis.

More aggressive play continued until the whistle blew, leaving the score unchanged.

Report submitted by: Toby Kenneally, Blandford Rugby Club Press Secretary

It was the turn of the old guard to star as Blandford swept to victory over Westbury. A number of unavailability's led to recalls for veterans Angus Rodgers and Simon Wingrove, and with experienced front rowers Adie Collins and Kev Robbins turning in a solid displays, the home team put together a fine performance.

Despite a bright start from the visitors, Robbins slotted an early penalty to settle Blandfords nerves, after which the home pack began to exert control over the game, quickly leading to the opening try from Andy Williamson. Although dominating possession and territory, Blandford were disappointed not to add further points before the break, spurning several opportunities with handling errors. However, this was quickly righted at the start of the second period, the evergreen Rodgers was on hand for the simplest of touch downs after a huge drive from a set scrum sent the Westbury back over there own line.

Blandford quickly extended their lead, with Wingrove and Collins punching big holes in midfield before No. 8 Jimmy Collis capped an excellent display with a 30 yard dash to the line, Robbins converting the score.

This seemed to galvanise the visitors, who responded with a close range try following repeated forward drives. But Blandford regained their composure to add further scores from Dave Judd and Chris Kerly to seal the win, with Westbury scoring a deserved consolation try in the dying moments.

Blandford captain Lee Haim was delighted by his sides' showing. "It was a good all round effort from the team" he commented, "but I thought that our forwards were outstanding, with a little more composure we could of added further tries. And a big thank you to Gus (Rodgers) and Simon (Wingrove) who stepped back up to the first team today and put in performances of real quality."

Report submitted by: Leani Haim, Blandford Rugby Club Honorary Secretary

Blandford 1st Team looked to continue their good form at home vs Frome 2nd's at the weekend. Blandford took control of the game early and put Frome under sustained pressure in the first 10 mins but could not put together the final pass. A missed penalty attempt added to the tension. Finally as a result of some slick interplay between the back row forwards, Jimmy Collis broke free from the Frome line, dummied the full back and ran in 30 yards to score in the corner for a converted try. Blandford then took control and looked the more likely to score. Just Before half time Charlie Richards playing out of position at centre went on a barnstorming run and managed to pop the ball out of contact to Doug Baker who sprinted past the full back to score in the corner.

The second half was played at a slower pace as the pitch was taking its toll on the players. Blandford then showed their defensive qualities when they managed to keep Frome back for 10 mins with 13 players on the field as Fly Half Doug Baker and flanker Marc Ricketts were sinn binned. Frome grabbed a try from a quick tap and go but hooker Ken Robbins calmed the nerves with a successful penalty attempt. Blandford, back to their full 15 then took control and full back Richard Johnson playing only his second game scored an excellent try beating three players on his way to the try line.

Special mention goes to Toby Kenneally who played his final game for the club before going back to New Zealand.

Report submitted by: Leani Haim, Blandford Rugby Club Honorary Secretary