Sat 21 Dec 2024, 14:30
Saturday 21 December 2024, KO 14:30
This weekend I nd myself at the Rec entertaining and watching the 1st XV, it’s a tough job but someone has got to do it. It was a bit rough actually has I knocked back Benny’s Special Christmas Lunch the Guinness ran out after I had only had 6 or 7 pints and had to move on to Doom Bar. I therefore apologise as my normal succinct and accurate match report will be coming second hand and no pictures this week fellas. On the subject of NO, No Mark Walker this week the stalwart of the United is otherwise engaged but we all know where he wants to be, in the rst XV but that isn’t happening, you had your cap Mark but you will be missed as will Harry Chernobyl Nash. We do however welcome Joe Connelly and Henry Cox back to the United. Both having enjoyed a sabbatical, well work, Joe hanging out with sailors, not for everyone and Dr Cox doing is best to reduce the population of deepest darkest Africa. Mike Powell is on the bench for the United, a regular in the Athletic and making his debut today, go well Mike. Mike’s a terric bloke a very keen amateur Philatelist, loves small counties his favourite being Nauru which his no.3 in the top 10 list. All of this he believes combines well with his career on the eld. Keiran Bromsgrove has had to pull out last minute with a massive case of lime testicle. Keiran who has been enjoying a return to Weston has featured regularly for the rst team but on this occasion the move to the United has proven ill for him. This heinous condition generally eects forwards in much the same way as scrum pocks and is contracted through the selection shock, making excuses and not wanting to travel. The condition as it suggests attacks the Crown Jewels where they alternate swelling to the size and colour of a large lime at a rate similarly to the ash of a Belisha Beacon. Keiran acting on the advice of Dr Henry Cox may be seen this weekend riding a 50cc two stroke moped around town the vibration being perfect and only known cure for the aiction. We really hope this doesn't ruin his Christmas. Despite the changes the core of the team remains consistent with regular names and guidance coming from veteran Gavin Simpson at no.8. The arrive at Tor following the heavy rain with trepidation on what to nd under foot and as usual a very boggy heavy pitch with a couple of farmers cutting peat in the dead ball area, this is going to be a struggle for the backs. From the kick o the United start well and gain a penalty advantage after 5 mins but unfortunately Sam Garrett misses the penalty kick with a sizeable clod stuck to his foot. 9 mins and the heavy going proves to much for a disappointed Nick Hawken who is replaced by Henry Cox. Another penalty on 10 mins but again Sam Garrett is frustrated, penalty missed and the score board remains nil point. Tor make full use of the home advantage and despite the United’s eorts in defence score and convert. United are frustrated and when they do start to spin the ball in the backs, handling errors a support runners not in place prevent them capitalising. Tor 7-0 United, 18 mins Tor score and convert Tor 14-0 United, 20 mins Tor score, conversion missed Tor 19-0 United, 26 mins Half Time Tor 19-0 United Tor who have had the better part of the rst half are now under much greater pressure and a yellow card is shown early in the 2nd half. Yellow card Tor, 42 mins United seize the advantage and forward pressure sees Ross Cheshire released to score but the badly needed extras are not forth coming. Tor 19-5 United, 45 mins United maintain the pressure and are awarded numerous penalties but a second yellow card isn’t forthcoming which is frustrating the United from the repeated infringements, with Tor equally frustrate and can’t get back on the score board. Our bench is used with Gavin Simpson o, Mike Powell on, 50 mins, as above his debut, well done Mike. Steve Donegan o, Simon Hudson on, 60 mins and barley has Steve made it to the edge of the pitch and he’s returning to alleviate Ryan, Ryan Donegan o, Steve Donegan on, 65 mins. Full Time Tor 19-5 United Congratulations to Tor, thank you for hosting and best of luck for the remainder of the season. Well done United, you came 2nd but won the 2nd half, small consolation. Heavy conditions that suited the home side who know the pitch well and again a few key changes creating disruption. Training is a bit disrupted over the Christmas period but get down and make the sessions that are provided. By the way the 1st XV won, beating 2nd in the league Trowbridge RFC. They were really red up and numerous highlights come to mind but real positives were young William Bamsey at Prop who made his rst start and did very well, Jacob Simpson on the back row had arguably his best game ever and was a joy to watch. Finally Archie Tilsley, the second slowest Weston Centre being half a toe quicker than Derek Rhino Arse Hannam, was deservedly man of the match with two great tries and also convinced Cam Maslen to score his rst try of the season. The rst team provided a terric early Christmas present and we are all hoping to see more of the same into the new year. Backs Clayton Dorrington, Huw Matthews, Nick Hawken, Sam Garrett, Ollie Martin, Tom Blyth, Ollie Marshall Forwards Ryan Donegan, Ethan Westlake, Steve Donegan, Ross Chester, Joe Connelly, Rhodri Williams, Vinnie Jones, Gavin Simpson Reps (all used) Mike Powell, Simon Hudson, Henry Cox Now I’m o to The Ship to complete my Saturday, there’s boxing on the TV and a scotch egg on the bar with my name on it. The pleasure is all yours Mark Mongo Matthews PS - I was back in The Ship Sunday evening and it was buzzing, a great mix of 1st, 2nd, 3rd team and past players etc. It’s great what a W does, well done to all, have a Merry Christmas and Happy New year
