WESTON suffered their fourth league defeat of the season, 26-8 in Reading and slipped to ninth place in South West 1 against top-of-the-table Redingensians.

The hosts' back division took the honours with some outstanding footwork which the Seasiders were unable to cope with.

Weston's first-up tackling left a lot to be desired as Reds posted four tries, two in each half, but Weston had their chances in the opening quarter, James Bird, on his debut at fly-half, being unable to convert two long penalties.

In a good move, Harry Warman was unlucky not to hold Bird's cut-out pass which would have produced a try for Paul Sprague.

Redigensians took the lead in the 21st minute when Tom Clare barged over after Ed Smith had been yellow carded.

Peter Freeth converted and after Birdd had missed another penalty, Red's Joao Costa intercepted a Weston attack to spring 60 metres to the line.

Weston replied just before the break when Daniel Fry's strong run produced a try for skipper David Burge.

James Reid's vital clearance prevented any further scoring and in the eighth minute of the second half, James Mackay's penalty brought the score back to 12-8.

Weston's pack was now showing its mettle, but when they opted for a scrum instead of a straight penalty, possession was surrendered and Clare eventually scored his second try at the other end.

The match was now virtually out of Weston's reach and Reds' Warren Abraham's individual effort sealed their fate, Freeth converting both scores.

This was another disappointing day for the Seasiders, but Burge, Craig Trump, Fry, Mike Kempton and Warman put in sterling performances, and a special mention for Neil Lavender, a late replacement for injured prop Simon Williams.

Weston: H Warman; C Crichton, J Mackay, J Reid (G Britton 55), P Sprague; J Bird, R Bennett; D Price, D Burge (capt), N Lavender, J Harris, M Kempton, E Smith (sinbin 21) (S Hudson 69), C Trump, D Fry.