Thu 27 Apr 2023, 19:30
Chew Valley 2ndXV 33 Weston United 36
Webb Ellis Somerset Cup final at North Petherton RFC
Chew Valley 2ndXV 33 Weston United 36
Weston United completed the 2022/23 season with captain Ash Russell lifting the Webb Ellis Somerset Cup with a narrow victory over Chew Valley 2ndXV at North Petherton RFC.
This was the Weston Club’s 18th appearance in the final, dating back to a 22-3 defeat by Bath in the 1973/74 season, and the 11th time they lifted the silverware.
“It was the perfect end to what has been a difficult season for the Club, but these last four Cup games have shown what we can do as a Club when we come together as a squad,” said Russell.
“There has been an excellent atmosphere in the camp going into the end of the season. This has strengthened the Club and bodes well as we prepare for next season.
“Weston has long supported the Somerset Cup, it is a great competition, and it is obviously great to win. I’ve been lucky to have played in a few finals, winning and losing some.
“We knew what to expect from any Chew Valley side, and we didn’t deal with it appropriately at times. Credit to them, they kept going, but that is the Weston way - keep it interesting until the end.
This was the last game for former England prop Darren Crompton who is now stepping down after four seasons as head coach, having previously been forwards and defence coach.
Russell added: “DC has been fantastic for us over the years in whatever role he has done, so all the lads are pleased for him to be going out on a high with some silverware.”
It was No.8 Russell who was the first to get his name on the scoresheet with a close-range try which was converted from out wide by fly-half Archie Tilsley.
Back came Chew to test the United defence, but they conceded a series of penalties and saw lock Andy Glen being yellow carded. A Chew lineout led to wing Steve Bartlett scoring in the corner.
Chew maintained the pressure and a second try, this time from wing Sam Locke with full back Olly Lamb on target this time with the conversion to give Chew a 17-7 lead.
When Weston were back up the other end, they were awarded a scrum penalty, and from the resulting lineout, the ball was worked out to full-back Chris Young, who crossed the whitewash.
Tilley added the conversion and then kicked a penalty, but Chew went into the break 19-17 ahead, again after a series of penalties, as Locke crossed for his second try with Lamb converting.
Weston started the second half with dominance in the scrum which resulted in the referee awarding them a penalty try and sending Chew lock Alfi Norbury for ten minutes in the sin bin.
With less than thirty minutes remaining, Chew’s No.8 Alex Monk was yellow-carded. The United took advantage of the extra players with wing Joe Burgess crossed for United’s next try.
Fellow wing Hayden Main was the next to cross the whitewash, and Tilley’s conversion gave United a 36-19 lead. But Chew were not prepared to let their heads drop despite a player still in the bin.
Chew reduced the arrears through a try from prop Sol Thompson and a touchdown from replacement Lee Westlake, both converted by Lamb, to reduce the deficit to three points.
Flanker Joe Connolly has named the Player of the Match by Somerset RFU President Steve Mead.
