South West One

OXFORD HARLEQUINS 21 pts WESTON 6 pts

IN an unusually below-par performance, Weston ended the first half of their league programme with defeat at North Hinksey by three converted tries to two penalties.

Quins victory was well deserved, their back row was superior throughout and their midfield eventually completely overshadowed that of their guests.

There was certainly a lack of Christmas cheer for Weston in what became a disagreeable event and there were problems in the first minute.

A punch by Oxford's Paul Delange left Weston No 8 George Sparks prostrate on the turf.

Bristol Society referee Mr Adams clearly had sight of the offence, but punished Delange with only a yellow card.

The incident was clearly seen by referee Mr Adams, and demanded the ultimate punishment of a red card dismissal.

There was four minutes of treatment for Sparks, who did well to recover at all before Mark Armstrong kicked the resultant penalty.

The Weston fly-half was on target again seven minutes later, but for the rest of the half, Quins were beginning to show their mettle.

Aided by solid defending, notably by Chris Crichton, T J Madamombe and Harry Warman, Weston kept their line intact up to the break, but then conceded three tries as the writing started to appear on the wall.

Two minutes into the second half, a wayward pass gave Mark Preston the chance to put David Payne over and by now, Oxford's Beau Wilson and Andrew Hanley had taken charge and Hanley intercepted a Weston attack to run unopposed to the posts.

Quins' third try was touched down by Phil Rowe and with Frank Jones converting all three, Weston were in deep trouble, but for the remainder of the match, the Seasiders were mainly on the offensive.

Kevin Hobbs was desperately close after Crichton's 40-metre burst and replacement scrum-half Ross Bennett crossed near the posts, only to be recalled to discover that Weston were awarded a scrum.

Weston: H Warman; C Crichton, T J Madamombe, C Young, P Sprague; M Armstrong, L Hember (sinbin 55) (R Bennett 68); T Gukibau, D Burge (capt), E Hunt (H Smith 58), A Richards, A Russell (sinbin 60) (W Tuituou 71), D Cook, K Hobbs, G Sparks