WARMINSTER dug deep to secure a superb victory on the road in Dorset.

Travelling with just the bare XV, coach Rob Rowbotham donned his kit to provide cover and the visiting side played with the elements in their favour in the opening period.

A scrappy opening quarter saw the amber and blues open the scoring with a penalty from Jason Sprangle after a Bridport infringement in front of the posts.

The visitors thought the first try had arrived soon after, as debutant winger Tom Clare slid over the line, but Steve Rowbotham’s pass to him was adjudged forward.

Another Sprangle penalty extended the advantage and, with Brdiport finding it hard to get out of their half, the opening try did arrive, courtesy of Clare.

In almost a carbon-copy of the previous move, centre Alex Payne’s pass was adjudged flat and Clare touched down for an unconverted score.

Brdiport held the upper hand in territory after the break, but they found the visitors in miserly mood, flanker Dean Marshall contributing a couple of tunrovers to the cause.

A penalty got the home side on the board and reduced arrears further with a second kick.

With legs tiring, Warminster lost James Rowbotham to a knock, to be replaced by father Rob, only for him to be forced to return five minutes later when Rowbotham senior pulled a back muscle.

With under ten minutes left, Bridport levelled the score with a try in the corner.

But driven forward by Payne pouncing on a loose ball, Warminster came forward, Payne offloading to Dean Priestman who couldn’t quite get his pass away to centre Sam Crouch.

Winning a penalty, skipper John McCredie opted to run and rampaged towards the Bridport line. Quick recycling caught the defence unaware and Couch grabbed the winning score.

MORE RUGBY REPORTS, REACTION & PICTURES IN FRIDAY'S WILTSHIRE TIMES