Southern Counties South - A long and tedious coastal journey for Minety ended in their fourth successive league defeat, but although they are still to register a win at this level, the improved performance indicated they are moving in the right direction.

Bournemouth got the scoreboard moving after 10 minutes with a try in the lefthand corner of the field. This came from a 40 metre charge up the touchline by a mass of forwards and backs using quick, short passes to shift the point of attack.

Ten minutes later the home side were back in scoring action again, this time counter-attacking from deep and running in a try under the posts. A successful conversion kick made the gap 12 points, but Minety were much improved from that point.

Awarded a penalty on 25 minutes, the visitors were disappointed to see the 40 metre kick pass just under the bar. A scything run from the halfway line subsequently took the Minety three-quarters to within a few metres of their opponents' try line before a last-ditch tackle by the Bournemouth fullback snuffed out the attack.

Minety began the second half where they left off and a splendid counter-attacking run by full back Ruben Saunders set the tone for what was to follow.

Under pressure, Bournemouth were caught off-side on their own 22 and Minety duly translated the resulting penalty into their first three points.

Coming back at their opponents from the restart, the visitors were eventually rewarded with another penalty which this time they opted to kick into touch deep in Bournemouth's half.

Setting up their favourite catch-and-drive move from the resulting line-out, the Minety pack drove infield at an angle, creating space on the blind side and tying in opponents.

When the move was finally stopped, scrum-half James Tweedale snatched the ball out and fed it to flanker Max Smith, who sprinted up the short side. Despite the two Bournemouth players clinging onto him, he had the speed and strength to stagger over the line for a try in the corner.

Minety were right in it at 12-8, but a penalty and a try from pinched line-out ball to the Bournemouth winger reinstated the lead and a try on full time killed of Minety's brave challenge.

Coach Andy Ward told his team after the match: "All you need is a little more self-belief and slightly better fitness, and you'll win these games."

Minety travel to Readingensians this Saturday.