Sat 31 Oct 2026, 14:30
Regional 1 Tribute Ale South West
Weston-super-Mare 24 Launceston 36
Weston-super-Mare slipped to their fifth straight Regional 1 Tribute Ale South West defeat on a dull, windless afternoon at the Rec, with visitors Launceston taking maximum points and the hosts a try-scoring bonus, writes Chris Heath
Veteran lock Ashley Russell led the Weston team onto the pitch for his 462nd game with the 1stXV, setting a new club record. Before the kick-off, there was a minute’s silence in memory of Club Trustee and former President Dr George Papworth, who passed away on Friday.
It was a helter-skelter start for both sides, but Launceston capitalised on one mistake too many when left-wing Oli Bebbington raced away for a try under the sticks in the fourth minute, with fly-half James Tucker adding the extras.
A series of powerful drives by the visitors was only thwarted by some tremendous defence on the line by the hosts. Launceston were doing everything right except for holding on to the ball at the critical time.
The Cornish All Blacks did eventually cross the whitewash but were held up over the line. But Weston had infringed earlier, and the visitors kicked to the corner. This time they took advantage, and the inside centre Jack Easton dotted down.
Tucker added the conversion, but Weston hit back when, after a series of strong periods of play, full-back Will Crane crossed out wide on the left with inside centre Alex Howman expertly converting.
Launceston kept Weston at the back with a Tucker penalty, only for Weston to score again after a strong scrum. The ball was spun wide for right wing Keanu Ballard to scoot over from the left.
Howman was narrowly off target with his conversion attempt. Weston then lost prop Charlie Brabham with a blood injury, replaced by Ieuan John. Weston then conceded another penalty, but Weston held out and trailed 17-12 at half-time.
The second half began with an arm wrestle, with neither side dominating, before another penalty put Launceston firmly on the attack. This time, they took full advantage with a well-taken try from Tucker and a bonus point.
Weston replaced lock Louis Brooker with captain Tom Sugg, moving into the second row to join Russell, and Matt James came off the bench to play in the vacated blindside flanker berth.
The home side were attacking, but after building phases, they always seemed to make a mistake that kept them from narrowing the lead as Launceston weathered the storm and cleared their lines.
Weston then introduced George Nuttycombe into the fray at fly-half, with Marcus Nel returning to the centre and Huw Morgan redeployed on the wing. This didn't help the hosts in the short term.
Into the final quarter, Launceston were far more clinical than the hosts and scored again with ease by simply keeping hold of the ball, with replacement Brandon Rowley claiming their fifth try, Tucker again on target with the conversion.
Weston then lost both Howman and Will Crane to injury, resulting in James going to the left wing and Stuart Souch going to full back. Back came the hosts hit back with a superb try finished off by hooker Tom Hatch.
Nuttycombe converted, and when Weston again battered the Launceston line, they were rewarded with a bonus-point try from No.8 Nasili Ikahihifo. The visitors played out the final ten minutes with lock Devon Murray in the sin bin.
Launceston remain fourth in the table, seven points behind unbeaten league leaders Trowbridge. At the same time, Weston-super-Mare are tenth ahead of their match on November 14, away to Topsham, who are six points ahead — kick-off 2 pm.
