Sat 31 Jan 2026, 14:30
Regional 2 Tribute Ale South West
Weston-super-Mare 62 Wellington Chiefs nil.
Regional 2 Tribute Ale South West league leaders Weston-super-Mare stretched their unbeaten run to 16 games as they ran in ten tries against a Wellington Chiefs side who are struggling at the other end of the table without a win, writes Chris Heath.
Full back Alex Howman was making his 50th appearance for Weston-super-Mare, having rejoined the club from Clifton at the start of the season, claimed three tries and was presented with the Man of the Match award.
Weston nearly scored in the fifth minute, but a spilt ball after a long period of passing ended in the corner with no try. However, from the resultant scrum, Weston pushed the visitors back, the ball came loose, and flanker Jacob Simpson pounced to score the opening try.
Weston increased their lead in the eleventh minute when a break by centre Marcus Nel, followed by a grubber kick, allowed prolific left-wing Hayden Main to gather and score his thirtieth try of the season.
Fly-half Archie Tilsley, in his 65th first-team appearance, expertly converted from wide out and added the extras to the next try, which was much easier. Tighthead prop Ieuan John had made inroads; No.8 Nasili Ikahihifo was on hand to take a scoring pass from captain Charlie Brabham to score under the posts.
Wellington then put the home line under pressure, but a timely intervention by John prevented the visitors from opening their own account. After half an hour, a series of attacks led to Howman going over for Weston's bonus point try.
Weston were not prepared to take their foot off the pedal and kept the scoreboard ticking over. A catch and drive then led to hooker Gary Carpenter going over for Weston's fifth try, but the difficult conversion kick that followed went narrowly wide.
A missed kick to touch was gathered by Howman, who, after making a break, offloaded to Main to cross in the left corner. The extras were once again missed, so Weston went into the break with a commanding 34-nil lead.
At half-time, Weston made a change, with George Nuttycombe replacing Howman. Shortly after the restart, after battering the visitors' line, a deft reverse pass by scrum half Jack Press put Tilsley over for a try, which he himself converted.
Weston then replaced John and second row George Talbot with Maison Turner and a welcome return to first team action for Shaun Eaton, who had played for Weston several years earlier.
Wellington then had a chance to score in the right corner, but a try-saving tackle by right wing Keanu Ballard, aided by Tilsley, saved the day. Tilsley then left the field with an injury, and Howman replaced him with Nuttycombe, relocating to fly-half.
With twenty minutes remaining, Howman cut a fine line to go over by the posts to make Nuttycombe’s conversion straightforward. Ballard then got in the act, being on the end of a sweeping move to go over in the corner.
Nuttycombe added the extras from wide out. Veteran second row Ash Russell was then replaced by Talbot for the final period, with John returning for Brabham. Weston were still hungry for more ties.
After taking a scrum against the head, a charging run by Ikahihifo led to Howman crossing for his third try to crown a superb individual performance, and with Nuttycombe again successful with a difficult conversion.
Weston are now 29 clear of second-placed Tiverton, who, after their home game against Okehampton was postponed, have three games in hand. Weston’s next game is on February 14, away to Winscombe, whose game at Cullompton was postponed.
Match Photos HERE
