The Athletic started their season with a full team and replacements. As the opposition turned up a bit short handed Barry Sparks, or Gandalf as some call him, sportingly volunteered to play for them.

This should have been an easy piece of work but handling errors abounded and the team scored less than they might. Old Culverhay, to be fair, put up a good show in defence and their back row were effective with their number 8 always in the thick of things.

Nevertheless Weston won a steady stream of possession and scored regularly. Jo McGrath scampered in for four tries and Darren Hancock got a hat trick, the last of which was gifted by George Chapman. He had had a good game but would benefit from playing alongside a quality scrum half.

Lewis Hancock filled that role and gave a good account of himself but he was playing out of position. He got on the score sheet with a well taken try and Pulsford joined in with a good break from loose play to score under the posts.

Debutant Ben Poat looks a good prospect at tight head and Dave Price back after the summer break was impressive. Many iof the side have been pre-season training and the benefits of superior fitness showed. If the athletic can reduce the number of unforced errors their season should be both enjoyable and successful.