Yeovil Rugby Club

Top-of-the-table showdown at Church Lane as the Pigs prepare to test Bridport's perfect record

Saturday 31 October 2026 | Kick-off 2:30pm | Counties 2 Tribute Ale Dorset & Wilts South

Five games. Five wins. An unbeaten record.

Bridport RFC arrive at Church Lane this Saturday with their tails up, their confidence high and a perfect start to the 2026/27 league campaign.

But there's just one problem.

They're coming to Yeovil.

And the Pigs aren't exactly short of confidence themselves.

Four victories from five league fixtures, 226 points scored, and three consecutive away wins have put Yeovil firmly among the early-season contenders.

This isn't just another Saturday afternoon of rugby. This is a meeting between two sides with serious ambitions, a little bit of history, and an opportunity to make a real statement in the league.

Bridport might be unbeaten. But Yeovil certainly aren't afraid.

Five from five. But who have Bridport beaten?

Let's give credit where it's due. Bridport have started their season exceptionally well.

Their results speak for themselves:

Five wins, 214 points scored and some impressive attacking performances.

But there's an interesting story behind those numbers.

Bridport have already had two extremely close contests, edging Wheatsheaf Cabin Crew by just three points and Wimborne II by seven. Oakmeadians also pushed them all the way.

They've certainly earned their unbeaten record, but they haven't had everything their own way.

And now comes another serious examination: a Yeovil side scoring freely, playing with confidence and returning to home turf after three impressive away victories.

The question is simple: can Bridport keep that perfect record intact when the pressure comes from the Pigs?

Yeovil's response has been emphatic

Yeovil's only league defeat came at home against Wimborne II, a narrow 27–23 loss.

Since then, the response has been nothing short of outstanding.

That's 192 points scored in the last three matches alone, with just 26 conceded.

The win at Blandford was particularly impressive. Seventy-three unanswered points, a clean sheet and a performance that showed exactly what this squad is capable of when everything clicks.

Then came Frome.

Cold, wet, windy and absolutely miserable conditions. The sort of afternoon when simply keeping hold of the ball becomes an achievement.

Yeovil responded by scoring 62 points.

It was another demonstration of the attacking confidence, physical commitment and growing understanding throughout the squad.

Now the challenge changes.

After three weeks on the road, the Pigs are back at Church Lane.

And there's an unbeaten side waiting to be tested.

A familiar face returns to Church Lane

There's an extra ingredient to Saturday's encounter.

Jon Dicker, formerly part of Yeovil's coaching setup, returns as Bridport's coach.

That adds a fascinating dimension to an already important fixture.

Jon knows Yeovil Rugby Club. He understands the environment, the expectations and the pride that comes with representing the black and white.

But this is a Yeovil squad with its own identity, its own momentum and a growing belief in what it can achieve.

There will be familiar faces, plenty of competitive spirit and undoubtedly a few conversations on the touchline.

But once that whistle blows, old connections count for very little.

It's Yeovil against Bridport.

And there are league points to be won.

Yeovil's danger men: Bridport, you've been warned

If Bridport's coaching team have been doing their homework, they'll already know Yeovil have threats right across the pitch.

Harry McHugh – the man who keeps finding the try line

Sponsored by RSC, Harry has become one of the most familiar names on Yeovil's scoresheet.

Another two tries against Frome continued his excellent start to the campaign.

Powerful, direct and dangerous with ball in hand, Harry is exactly the sort of player opposition defences cannot afford to give space.

Sam Bryant – tries, tries and more tries

Sponsored by Jones Building Group, Sam has been enjoying a prolific run of form.

Another brace at Frome, following his earlier scoring exploits, has made him one of Yeovil's most dangerous attacking weapons.

Give him an opportunity and there's every chance he'll make it count.

Josh 'Doc' Docherty – experience and firepower

Sponsored by Wessex Electricals, Doc brings experience, physicality and leadership to the side.

Two tries against Frome demonstrated that he's more than capable of adding his name to the scoresheet.

He starts Saturday in the number 13 shirt and will be looking to make his presence felt.

Harry Froude – the boots that keep delivering

Sponsored by Coldstream Kit, Harry has been instrumental in keeping Yeovil's scoreboard moving.

His kicking contributions have been invaluable throughout the campaign, while his influence at fly-half gives Yeovil direction and control.

In a tight contest, those extras could prove absolutely crucial.

Rob 'Boris' Cross – no speeches, just tackles

Sponsored by Coneygar Lodge Care Home, Rob was named Forward of the Match against Frome after producing a huge defensive performance and making more tackles than anyone else.

Affectionately known as Boris because of his resemblance to the former Prime Minister, there's one significant difference.

Our Boris actually delivers.

And Bridport might find themselves on the receiving end of his latest policy: absolutely no easy metres!

James Read – a front-row force

Sponsored by Under Pressure (SW) Ltd, James brings physical presence to the Yeovil pack.

A try scorer against Frome and a previous Player of the Match winner this season, he'll be looking to set the tone from the opening scrum.

Alongside Rob Cross and Will Tearall, the front row has an important job to do against an unbeaten Bridport side.

Callum 'Rego' Regan and Olly Seton – youthful energy

Rego, sponsored by Yeovil Prostate Cancer Support Group, and Olly Seton, sponsored by Rushton Dog Trust, bring energy and ambition to the side.

Rego's combination with Caspar Hodgson has already provided plenty of entertainment this season, proving that rugby understanding sometimes matters considerably more than general common sense!

Both have important roles to play as Yeovil look to win the physical contest.

And with Tom Lancaster, Clint Townsend, Cal Rose and the rest of the squad ready to contribute, Bridport won't be facing a team relying on just one or two individuals.

Yeovil have threats everywhere.

There's unfinished business between these clubs

The history between Yeovil and Bridport gives Saturday's contest an added edge.

Last season, Bridport travelled to Church Lane and recorded an impressive 36–12 victory.

But when Yeovil visited Bridport in March 2026, the Pigs turned the tables in emphatic fashion, winning 55–20.

One win apiece from those two encounters.

Both clubs know what it feels like to get the better of the other.

And both will be desperate to claim the next chapter.

This season's opening form suggests another fascinating battle awaits.

Home advantage. Home support. Home ambition.

There's something special about playing at Church Lane when the touchline is packed and the crowd gets behind the lads.

Yeovil have already demonstrated they can travel away from home and produce outstanding results.

Now it's time to bring that same intensity back to their own ground.

The forwards need to establish a platform. The backs need to make their opportunities count. And every player wearing black and white needs to be ready for a full eighty-minute battle.

Bridport will arrive confident. They have every right to.

But Yeovil have their own reasons to believe.

The points are coming. The combinations are developing. The squad is growing stronger.

And perhaps most importantly, the players are enjoying their rugby.

Bridport are unbeaten. Yeovil are undaunted.

Saturday: be there, be loud, back the Pigs!

This is the sort of fixture that grassroots rugby is all about.

Two ambitious teams. A fascinating coaching connection. Plenty of attacking talent. And valuable league points at stake.

We want Church Lane buzzing.

We want the touchline packed.

We want every supporter, member, former player, junior and rugby-loving local getting behind the lads.

MATCH DETAILS

• Fixture: Yeovil First XV v Bridport RFC

• Date: Saturday 31 October 2026

• Kick-off: 2:30pm

• Venue: Yeovil Rugby Club, Church Lane, Yeovil, BA22 9TR

Bridport, congratulations on your five wins.

But if you're looking for number six, you're going to have to earn every single inch of it.

This is our ground. Our team. Our opportunity.

WE'RE READY FOR YOU, BRIDPORT.

🖤🤍 TOGETHER WE STAND. UP THE PIGS!

#TogetherWeStand #UpThePigs #YeovilRC #FirstXV #GrassrootsRugby