The game began in driving rain and neither side managed to build any momentum in an error strewn opening 15 minutes. Jed Gibson sustained a damaged shoulder in an early attack and he was replaced by Jack Bridgeman. Hopefully Jed will recover in time for his charity bike ride. If you have made a donation yet there is still plenty of time.

Old Reds were also suffering injuries and by the time 20 minutes were gone they had used 4 and the game unfortunately went to uncontested scrums. This removed Weston’s strongest threat and provided the Old Reds backs with secure ball.

Despite their strong running it was Weston that opened the scoring with a penalty by Lomax and Weston were soon attacking again through good forward driving play which resulted in Walker crashing though near the posts for Weston’s first try on 37 minutes.

Lomax converted and Weston looked to be about to take control but the old Reds forwards had other ideas and they replied almost immediately with a converted try on the stroke of half time.

In an even contest Old Reds had the better of the exchanges and early in the second half scored an unconverted try. Lomax replied soon after with his second penalty for Weston to take a 13-12 lead with 20 minutes to go.

Old Reds came back again and scored their third try which was converted and they now had the lead by 19-13.

This spurred Weston on and they had their best passage of play. Forwards and backs combined to put pressure on the old reds line and eventually Lomax wriggled through to score under the posts. His conversion put Weston in front by one point with 5 minutes remaining.

A final huge effort from Old Reds saw them score their fourth try of the afternoon in the corner. The conversion attempt went wide and there was not enough time for Weston to reply and the game finished with Old Reds the victors by 24-20.

Weston can consider themselves unfortunate to pick up only a losing bonus point, full scrummaging would surely have given them the balance of power. They’ll be looking to be able to use all their strength in the forwards in next week’s encounter with old rivals Gordano.