Sat 6 Sep 2025, 14:30
Regional 2 South West
Crediton RFC 24 Weston-super-Mare RFC 28
Report from MonGoLikeRugby
Here we go, the Club's 150th year is about to kick off, and it starts with a first trip to Crediton to meet the Devon Club in what will be the first competitive league game. Crediton, stalwarts of this league, finished runners-up last season to league winners Topsham and are due our respect. Let's hope we don't give them too much and deliver W to start the season.
Before that, and for those who haven't had a chance to see the Club in action, we have enjoyed a highly constructive and well-supported pre-season with the numbers returning to the Club and the game, which is encouraging for the future.
The three warm-up games have been well supported, with Weston in control of the squad fixture against Burnham on Sea, United and Athletic delivering an energetic encounter with Avonmouth 1st and the final fixture against Bridgwater, which gave us a glimpse of what our first team can deliver.
All of this made the first selection meeting of the season a challenge on Tuesday evening, with the wealth of players and the individual effort needing to be recognised. We eventually came to what we believe were three competent senior sides for the weekend, as all opened their accounts.
Following the team announcement, we experienced a minor setback when prop Iain John suffered a hip injury. However, a reshuffle that proved fortuitous saw Ross Chesher moved to the first-team bench.
With an exciting squad, we also have a couple of Club and first-team debuts to look forward to. Robson Bird starts at 6, making the move to Weston from Hornets this summer. Robson, son of Hooker and local flip-flop Dave Bird, is a plumber by trade and, in his spare time, enjoys breeding South American tree frogs and preparing biltong. Robson can often be spotted with his goose neck, looking slightly embarrassed due to his Mother and Aunt's left-wing rants.
Keanu Ballard is the second debut, starting on the Weston wing. Keanu, a colt with Weston, returns from Clevedon, where he spent his first senior year. Keaun has a keen interest in seabirds and dreams of one day meeting his hero, Bill Oddie. Keanu also enjoys Minecraft (somebody tell me what this is) and time away from his Dad, his biggest fan.
By the coaches admission, the warm-up could have gone better, and whether it's the coach ride, first game of the season, or too much respect for the opposition, the Weston boys are not quite firing on all cylinders. Weston kick off poorly, and the ball fails to go 10, and it's a Crediton scrum back on the halfway. Crediton is working well, putting Weston under immediate pressure, and early penalties are conceded.
The first 10 minutes are torrid, but Weston hold on and are rewarded with a couple of penalties and an attacking line out in the Crediton half. The offensive doesn't last long, and Crediton push Weston back into their own half with an attacking line out of their own, resulting in a push over try.
Crediton 7 - 0 WsM (12mins)
The swirling wind isn't helping, and a second kick off results in a Crediton scrum on the halfway. Crediton is throwing everything, including the kitchen sink, into this opening quarter, but hold on, there's light at the end of the tunnel. Press breaks Main is in support, back to Press who offloads again to Main, and the wing is in under that sticks stunning Crediton and Watterson slots the extras to level the scores.
Crediton 7 - 7 WsM (22mins - T Main, C Watterson)
Weston immediately takes advantage of the restart, gathering the ball and feeding it to Main on the wing, who doesn't need a formal introduction to the whitewash ripping away for his second. Tilsley steps forward to take the conversion from the touch line and expertly splits the uprights.
Crediton 7 - 14 (24mins - T Main, C Tilsley)
Crediton has regained control and reverted to the position it held in the first quarter. Their forwards work hard and are rewarded with another driving maul, crossing the Weston goal line.
Credition 14 - 14 WsM (29mins)
It's a tense affair on the pitch as Weston takes the initiative in the final minutes of the half. Fine hands from Nel and Cox find Main again on the wing, who strides away for his hat-trick. Tilsley again with a touch-line kick converts, making it look easy.
Crediton 14 - 21 WsM (35mins T Main, C Tilsley)
Weston continues the attack, and as the clock runs down, Crediton are happy to kick to touch.
Half Time - Crediton 14 - 21 WsM
The second half resumes with Crediton reverting to their powerful forwards and displaying the control of the first quarter. Weston struggles to get his hands on and retain the ball. Time for changes, and Ross Chesher is introduced for Light.
55mins Chesher on, Light off.
Weston is still holding on, but under pressure on their own line, they introduce Nuttycombe for Tilsley.
63mins Nuttycombe on, Tilsley off.
Crediton are rewarded for their hard work, and the forwards carry over for a third try, levelling the scores again.
Crediton 21 - 21 WsM (67mins)
Bliss-Climo is introduced for Simpson to see the complete Weston bench in action.
68mins Bliss-Climo on, Simpson off.
Weston now seems to be in control, piling the pressure on before disaster strikes. Crediton steal an interception and rip up the field, making tackles, but Crediton are there in numbers and slot a drop goal to take the lead back.
Crediton 24 - 21 WsM (69 mins)
Crediton receives the kick from Weston, looks to clear their lines, but the lineout gives possession back to Weston. Weston's turn to not roll over, and they come back with intent. Russell, who has played a blinder, is substituted for Light in the dying minutes, following a break from Press that almost sees him over, before Ballard is also called back for a Crediton knock on.
70mins Light on, Russell off.
Weston is well into the twenty-second, attacking scrum; Nel is still keen for the hard work, offering his hands and making contact. Forwards reorganise from scrum and offer ball carriers, captain Brabham leading by example to the end. It's Chesher that has the final say as the marauding wildebeest takes a short ball and crosses the whitewash to relieve the pressure and secure the lead.
Crediton 24 - 28 WsM (78mins T Chesher, C Nuttycombe)
This game is far from over. Crediton are not ready to concede and kick off with intent. Weston collects and goes on route one into the oncoming Crediton.
Stoppage time this half has added up, and there are still two minutes to go. Weston are deep in their own half from the kick-off, keeping the ball tight in phase after phase. Two minutes tick away, and Fisher, Braham, and Light all make contact. The clock is done, the ref indicates the last play, and Nuttycombe strikes the ball into touch. The bench and travelling supports erupt with noise, celebrating a victorious first encounter with Crediton and a terrific season opener.
Full Time Crediton 24 - 28 WsM
Our thanks to Crediton, who were terrific hosts both on and off the field, proving very hospitable company to the travelling board members. We wish them every success for the coming season and thank them for a tough, uncompromising first encounter.
Weston was the start we wanted, and it served as a wake-up call in some regards. Notwithstanding this, there were plenty of positives and areas for improvement to look at. Enjoy the beer and the trip home.
Weston-super-Mare: Ryan Watterston; Keanu Ballard, Cam Maslen, Marcus Nel, Hayden Main; Archie Tilsley (George Nuttycombe, 63), Jack Press; Charlie Brabham (capt), Adam Fisher, Will Bamsey, Sam Light (Ross Chesher, 55), Ash Russell (Sam Light, 70), Robson Bird, Jacob Cox, Jacob Simpson (Callum Bliss-Climo, 68),
Scorers- tries: Hayden Main (3), Ross Chesher; cons:Ryan Watterston, Archie Tilsley (2), George Nuttycombe.
The pleasure is all yours.
