BOURNEMOUTH RFC enjoyed derby delight with a 17-10 victory over reigning champions Wimborne in the Dorset Under-15 Cup at Oakmeadians.
The young Lions had to withstand an early barrage of pressure but muscled their way back to take the lead after 10 minutes when Bruce Lei-Bennett scored the opening try in the right hand corner.
With both teams keen not to concede any ground, a large number of hard-hitting tackles flew in with Bournemouth dominating the contest physically.
A handling error, however, proved their downfall before half-time with Wimborne eventually levelling matters at 5-5 at the interval.
Play ebbed and flowed after the break but lapses in concentration cost Wimborne dearly as Josh Ward, a second from Lei-Bennett and Antoine Pilcher's conversion gave Lions much-needed breathing space.
Wimborne got one back but it was too little too late as Bournemouth took the silverware.
Both teams expressed their thanks to Dorset & Wilts Society referee Richard Oliver who officiated the game with empathy and offered direction to prevent player infringements.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here