National League 3 South West

Old Redcliffians 17 pts Weston-super-Mare 22 pts

FLANKER Jamie Rudkin produced a try hat-trick as the Seasiders secured yet another away victory.

It was their first visit to Scotland Lane in league competition and newly promoted Old Redcliffians were worthy opponents, but it was the visitors who started well.

An early dash by skipper George Sparks should have been rewarded but Mal Roberts could not convert a penalty.

Andrew Evans was then close to scoring as was Paul Sprague was recalled for a forward pass, but in the 22nd minute Sparks’ line-out catch and drive gave Rudkin the first of his tries.

But the lead lasted barely 15 minutes before a mix-up between Ross Bennett and Matthew Watkins gave Reds wing Dave Harris the touchdown.

Joe Hart converted, then added a penalty to give the hosts a five point advantage. But Weston drew level just before the break when a strong burst by Andrew Glen followed by several phases saw skipper Sparks deliver their second unconverted try.

Eight minutes into the second half the Seasiders took the lead which they were never to lose when a long run by scrum-half Bennett was supported by several drives and Rudkin’s second try was the result.

The conversion kick failed again but seven minutes later No 8 Gavin Simpson drove powerfully from a five metre scrum and with more than a little help from the rest of the pack, Rudkin completed his hat-trick.

Roberts managed the conversion for a scoreline of 10-22, but the visitors needed to be on full alert as the Reds were not finished. With 10 minutes remaining, their fly-half Mike Schropfer scored and Hall’s conversion took them to within a score of either drawing level, or winning.

But the Weston pack closed out the match well, even after yet another failed penalty attempt.

Weston-super-Mare scorers - tries: Jamie Rudkin (3), George Sparks; con: Mal Roberts; yellow card: Mal Roberts (72 min)

Match report by Bob Hedges, and photos HERE courtesy of Andrew Collins.