Somerset 2.

Weston Athletic 35 pts Crewkerne 0 pts

WITH the first and second teams both playing away, the Athletic benefited from the main pitch and brought a hugely contrasting team to the field with an international feel.

The Athletic fielded a forward pack of a combined age of 376 years with the average age of 47, which also saw a welcome return of ex-club captain Richard Fear, now a Canadian national.

Behind the experienced and weighty pack, the years fell away with debutantes Ollie Trott (18) and Darren Burns (17) playing at scrum-half and fly-half. The second half saw debuts for Fraser Luxon in the second row and Chris Kitson at flanker.

The Athletic were more than matched by an enthusiastic and aggressive Crewkerne side. However, pressure and early drives from the forwards created a good platform and an infringing Crewkerne were punished with a Dan Prime penalty.

The continued forward work allowed the young half backs space and the seasoned Charlie Larkin, again returning at full-back, ran in under the posts. The game proceeded in much the same way with plenty of forward pressure releasing backs to score the tries and look good.

Sturdy defence from the likes of Alex Larkin and Mike Leahy in the centres met the Crewkerne onslaught. The first half was peppered with injuries with Crewkerne losing their hooker and Weston Alex Larkin with an eye injury. Further tries from Prime and Trott gave the Athletic a convincing lead at half time.

Weston made changes just after half time bringing on some younger players. All the replacements were used and there were debuts for Bishop, Hancock and Blackborow.

Trott and Charlie Larkin each scored a second try and Burns converted his own try in this entraining and convincing victory that sees Athletic in the top half of Somerset 2.