Matches between these two sides are always keenly contested and this was no exception. Weston had lost 19-5 in the away fixture, and were looking to overturn this result and consolidate third place in the League.

The visitors were seeking to overtake their hosts but it wasn’t to be as the home side forwards proved too strong although both sides, revelling in the fine weather and a firm ground, showed a willingness to run the ball, but with both defences prevailing, there were very few scoring opportunities for the backs.

Weston opened the scoring after 16 minutes when their forwards drove over from an attacking scrum for Sparks to get the touchdown.

This doesn’t happen to the Reds very often…they themselves have a very solid pack, but it happened again on the half hour when Sparks scored his second try in similar circumstances. Mackay added a couple of penalties on 38 and 41 minutes for the home side to increase the half time lead to 16-0.

The visitors hit the ground running on the restart. They recovered their own kick off and worked their way downfield for their pack to drive over for prop forward Baker to touch down after only two minutes.

The conversion was missed but the next ten minutes belonged to the Reds as they hammered at the Weston line, only to be foiled by committed defence and a very timely heel against the head by Withers which enabled Weston to clear their lines.

The home side increased the lead with Mackay's third penalty after 50 minutes following a second yellow card for prop forward Baker for a technical offence.

The ensuing red card was arguably somewhat harsh, as was the one proffered to Westons’ flanker Morrissey some ten minutes later following an outbreak of duelling handbags between the packs.

The flank forward must be considered unlucky…. It could have been any one of twelve players but other than these two over zealous adherences to the letter of the law, referee Sara Cox had a very solid match.

An injury to the visiting hooker Paxton, which fortunately is not as serious as was first thought, necessitated the introduction of uncontested scrums for the last few minutes and Weston managed one more try.

A Redingensian centre lost control of the ball following a clattering tackle from Russell and it bobbed kindly into the hands of the veteran Sprague who showed excellent speed to run in untouched from 40 metres. Mackay converted for a 26-5 final scoreline.

Mention must be made of the young Dan Lomax who stepped in at scrum half for his first full senior appearance and who enjoyed an excellent debut in a mature and highly effective performance.

Weston-super-Mare: Bennett, Sprague, Jones, Smee, Watkins, Mackay, Lomax, Swann, Withers, Hobbs, Glen, Somers, Russell, Morrissey, Sparks. Replacements (all used)… Eaton, Price, Young.