Sat 10 Dec 2011
National League 3 South West
Weston-super-Mare 3 pts Bournemouth 63 pts
Weston-super-Mare suffered their heaviest margin of defeat for many years when they conceded nine tries without reply at the Recreation Ground last Saturday.
Bournemouth had speed and accuracy all over the field and it is unsurprising that they have scored 100 points in two of their matches this term.
They were ahead in the fourth minute with scrum-half Sam Hardcastle’s first try, converted by fly-half Dan Pollard who added a penalty.
By now, Andrew Glen had retired with a shoulder injury to be replaced by Shaun Eaton and by the seventh minute of the second half, centre Dan Connelly and No 8 Gavin Hart had added tries, both converted by Pollard.
Halfway through the second period, Bournemouth were heading for their third 100 points match and it was as well that the Seasiders’ defence did not give up.
Full-back Karim Lynch joined the scorers with a 62nd minute try and Weston’s troubles continued when Ross Bennett was red carded for apparently verbally abusing referee Dan Parrott.
The Seasiders were now is disarray and during the final 15 minutes Bournemouth added further tries by replacement Dan Mallard, Connolly and Searle, who both scored their second. Pollard kicked his sixth conversion for a personal tally of 18 points.
There were many last ditch tackles preventing certain tries and George Wright, who returned to the back row in place of the injured Richard Bignell, celebrated his blazer badge appearance with an outstanding all-round display.
Weston-born Wright started his career in the back row, scoring 13 tries, but this season he has deployed to the back division, bringing his total to 19.
The 23-year-old student was educated at Kings of Wessex School, during which time he played for Somerset schools in the 15 and 16 groups.
Previously, he played mini rugby at Cheddar RFC before joining the Seasiders at Under-15 level. He proceeded through the age groups to the colts where he was again in the Somerset squads at 18 and 20, eventually making his first team debut at Bridgwater in December 2008.
His badge was presented to him by vice-chairman Ray Monelle following the match.
Weston-super-Mare: C Young; P Sprague (S Harris 76), M Roberts, G Kimmins, M Watkins; J Mackay, R Bennett; D Swann (D Doughty 11-14, 76), C Withers, S Donegan, A Russell, A Glen (S Eaton 29), J Rudkin, G Wright, G Sparks (capt).
Weston-super-Mare scorer - pen: James Mackay; red card: Ross Bennett (65 min)
