South West 1

Exmouth 25 Weston-super-Mare 32

AN outstanding performance by Daniel Fry and some important goal kicking by James Mackay just about tipped the scales in Weston's favour at Exmouth's Imperial Recreation Ground in the final league match of the campaign.

Not only was Fry a complete nuisance to the hosts throughout but, as well as his excellent work at the line-out, he had a good hand in Ashley Russell's try and scored his team's final try himself.

Weston led in the third minute when George Wright won possession 30 metres out and the ball was spun out to Josef Harris who sprinted over at the right corner.

But Exmouth were soon ahead themselves when poor defence allowed Adam Garner to score at the posts. Richard Cadywould converted but Fry was beginning to assert himself.

From a planned move from a line-out on halfway, the No 8 burst through the midfield, his 45 metre run being halted just short of the posts for Ross Bennett to feed Russell who stretched over from five metres.

Mackay converted, and in the 22nd minute the Seasiders increased their advantage.

A long run out of defence by Chris Crichton made 50 metres and when Kirk Middlemiss's cross kick found Wright, the flanker was able to give Daryl Sanft the easiest of tries, Mackay's conversion taking the score to 19-7.

Cadywould's penalty in first half stoppage time reduced the arrears but Fry was on duty again six minutes into the second half.

Exmouth turned the ball over 30 metres from their own line and when Middlemiss was given space, the winger delivered the perfect scoring pass.

Mackay converted for the third time but Exmouth were soon back in the match.

Cadywould kicked another penalty and converted a try by Ben Boswell as Weston's tackling began to founder and the hosts got back to within a point when Jack Downie scored an unconverted try.

But in the final 10 minutes Weston kept their hosts penned inside their own 22 and a brace of crucial penalties by Mackay took them to victory.

Although the Seasiders almost gave the match away in the second half after establishing a 16-point advantage, coach Dave Healy will be happy with the overall performance.

Apart from a 10-minute period when the line-out faltered, David Burge's pack held sway and it was good to see the backs enjoying the fast track.

They can now look forward hopefully to retaining the Somerset Cup when they meet Bristol Harlequins at Keynsham on Saturday, May 2. Weston have requested a 2pm kick-off at Crown Field.

Exmouth scorers - tries: Adam Garner, Ben Boswell, Jack Downie; cons: Richard Cadywould (2); pen: Richard Cadywould (2)

Weston-super-Mare: C Crichton, K Middlemiss, J Reid, D Sanft, P Sprague (H Warman 57), J Mackay, R Bennett, D Price (J Gallagher 70), D Burge (capt), S Williams, J Harris, A Russell, E Smith, G Wright, D Fry. Replacements not used: N Lavender.

Weston-super-Mare scorers - tries: Josef Harris, Ash Russell, Daryl Sanft, Kirk Middlemiss; cons: James Mackay (3); pens: James Mackay (2)

WESTON wing Paul Sprague made his 150th first team appearance in the match at Exmouth.

Bristol born Sprague (33) was educated a Brislington School and represented Bristol Schools before joining Old Redcliffians.

Having played for Somerset he came to Weston, making his debut against Haywards Heath at the Rec in September 2003. He has scored 67 tries.