Sat 1 Mar 2008
South West One
Old Patesians 10 Weston-super-Mare 17
In one of the hardest-fought matches of the season, Weston got exactly what they deserved as they defeated Old Patesians by two goals and a penalty to two tries at Cheltenham.
A crucial try by Neil Coleman and some expert goal-kicking by Mark Armstrong went a long way towards this success, but it was an entire team effort which secured victory.
Everything was even until the 17th minute when Tkura Madamombe's superb break found Paul Sprague in support and the winger fed Tobias Gukibau who took the try.
Armstrong converted, but the Seasiders had to display all their defensive acumen after George Sparks was sent to the sinbin just before the interval.
But the visitors started the second half strongly. A driven line-out inside their own half sent Coleman on a 30-metre sortie and Chris Young, who had replaced injured Harry Warman, went close.
However, soon after Sparks' return of action, Weston scored importantly. Gukibau's initial drive almost reached the line and Coleman was able to drive over wide out.
Equally important was Armstrong's conversion which he steered between the posts despite the strong cross wind, but Old Pats responded immediately.
Poor defending in midfield let in Adam Sagar and the hosts were back in the match.
But a rare penalty awarded to Weston was again converted by Armstrong and the Seasiders were able to hold out, despite a yellow card against William Tuitupou and a late Pats try by replacement Matt Hurdle.
Despite the 15-7 penalty count against them, this was another splendid performance by Weston who were fortunate to be able to call on Coleman, who had not started a first-team match since September 2005.
The 37-year-old scrum-half brought all his experience of over 300 matches to bear and his presence was a key factor in this victory.
Weston-super-Mare: H Warman (C Young 30); M Burns, T J Madamombe, T Gilmour, P Sprague; M Armstrong, N Coleman; T Gukibau, D Burge (capt), E Hunt, A Richards, A Ball, W Tuitupou, K Hobbs, G Sparks. Replacements (not used): M Matthews, A Babbington.
