Sat 5 Oct 2013
Somerset Premier League
Weston United 31 Wiveliscombe 26
Selection this week was no less easy despite the absence of a poorly Turk but that being said we emerged with an excellent looking United with Shaun Eaton making his first start of the season for the United and an eagerly awaited debut from the new centre Morgan Evans.
The United further benefited from a settled back row of Pullen, Matthews and Fisher with the experience of Burge in the front row and Young taking on Captain at 10.
Final minute shenanigans from the 1st XV saw Fisher move up and Tom Main rejoin the United at 8, "with hope in your arms,......you'll never walk alone.......calm down calm down.......oh they do do don't do do" and you get some idea of where my day was going.
Not 100% sure who kicked to who but to be honest if you were that interested you'd be there watching and not reading my report. Apologies Rich "I'm a lumber jack" Fear who lives up a road 250 miles from anybody except a moose, a bear and a raccoon with your clockwork internet. How's the lovely Patsy?
The first half was however very encouraging and with Mingo scoring his third try in three games, closely followed by 2 for Main all was going to plan and the United looked like they were going to close a game off in fine style. The only fly in the ointment was the loss of Burge on ten minutes with a hurty ankle and a broken nail.
I was to bump into a sorry looking Burge Monday lunch time Bristol city centre and he was consoling his misery with a trip tuna melt pannie and a family bottle of coke with the stealth like Bennett offering support nibbling on a green salad, a sorry picture.
Up stepped Pullen to hooker his preferred position and normal service resumed with Harry joining the back row. I was seeing a slight problem as both Mingo and Harry are a bit Clarence but somehow the boss eyed twins pulled through.
The 6.2 Evans was imposing himself in the centre and route one was in mind. In a rare pre-match interview I spoke with Evans senior who said " we don't know where he gets it I have the body of a hobbit with my dark skin curly hair and padded feet I am welsh see, although if I wasn't at a little pick and shovel convention I'd be there". Mrs Evans who runs a tanning franchise in the Rhondda Valley, Tantastic Bodies said "I can't believe he has gone out looking so pasty, I have lovely burnt terracotta that would set his eyes off a treat. Gavin H always pops in before the big games"
Club stalwart and confirmed sheep worrier Clayton Hope said "it's wonderfully to have a Welsh lad playing at the club again and reminds me of the rich Weston Welsh heritage the club has, although on one occasion I do recall Taffy was a Welshman, Taffy was a thief, Taffy came to my house and stole a leg of Beef. I went to Taffy's house but Taffy wasn't in so I stamped on his Sunday hat and stuck it with a pin.........beautiful 300 miles of coast line and most of it faces the sea......boots that. Jacket is my shoes, coat......"
It was not long before Evans was also on the score sheet and as the half time whistle blew the United were 24 points to the good with a conversion each from Young and Blizzard.
Louis Suarez in for the first, Sturridge the 2nd and Stevie G from the penalty spot, oh dear I think I'm on the turn.
The second half and Wivey have turned up and while the United get caught sleeping thinking it’s in the bag they are two tries down and some fine kicking is putting Wivey in contention. The effort from the travelling team is great the United's plight gets worse has penalty opportunities are taken and hang on Wiveliscombe are in the lead 24-26. United have a look at yourselves.
Now as the excitement builds into the closing minutes with Merv on the field and the improving Jack Bridgman the United need to keep it in play. Step up village idiot and Cheddar's worst export Trigger, ball foot, forward are never a good mix however Trigger knew better and promptly launched the ball to Wivey, possession lost it's all over Weston. Wivvy make it dead, no run it back thank you, possession returned and his mothers pride and joy Weston' own Sane Williams scampers 40 meters for the winning try, extras Young job done.
Thank you Wiveliscombe always a pleasure and looking forward to a go on the swings later in the season at your place. A great second half.
Well done United but you made it exciting. Well done also to the 1st XV and most importantly the Athletic for two further fine victories. Anybody know how Stu Board got on? He loves it when he gets a mention.
Players
Whatley Jake, Burge Dave, Wheatley Tom, Hudson Simon, Eaton Shaun, Matthews James(1xTry), Pullen Joe, Tom Main(2xTry), Trott Ollie, Young Chris (capt)(2xCon), Evans Morgan, Blizzard
