Weston Athletic pressurised Gordano right from the start and the forwards looked full of energy as they won the opening exchanges. The Athletic backs also looked threatening with debutants Ben Wheeler, and colt Jack Nall in the thick of the action.

Just six minutes into the game Ben Wheeler crossed for the first try after good recycled possession. Lomax converted and from the restart Weston were soon attacking again. Forceful driving play and backs and forwards combining well put Dan Prime through for a well taken try again converted by Lomax.

With just 15 minutes gone Gordano launched their first foray into Weston territory and their strong running centres combined to score a try which was converted.

Their next attack resulted in three injuries sustained by Weston in quick succession and the resulting substitutions disrupted Weston’s pattern of play. Veteran hooker gathered a bad cut to the eyebrow and Lomax and Monelle both suffered leg injuries.

For 10 minutes the play was disjointed by both sides but the Athletic reasserted some control and scored a breakaway try by Prime following good pressure on the Gordano half backs and shortly afterwards the bonus point try from Frost who had moved from second row to wing as a result of the reshuffled backs.

Despite regaining the initiative Gordano struck back just before half time but the Athletic still looked to be in control with the half time score at 26-14.

Weston edged further in front shortly after the restart as the backs combined to put Bridgeman away for a try under the posts converted by Frost.

With a lead of 33 – 14 the Athletic should have been able to close the game out but further injuries to Blackborow with suspected concussion and a leg injury to Hancock who toughed it out and carried on, Gordano raised their game and first drew level and then took the lead with two penalties in the last few minutes as Weston’s defence became more desperate.

The game concluded with Gordano just the winners. The Athletic remain in third place in the league as they picked up a try bonus point and a losing bonus point for losing by a narrow margin..

This has been the pattern of recent games with the Athletic getting in front but allowing the opposition to come back at them. Injuries have made it more difficult in both the last two games. The scores show that there is every chance that the Athletic can maintain or improve their current league standing.

Quick note for lovers of quirky stats etc. Aaron Collins and Ewen Bulger played out a rapid game of in out, in out, shake it all about as first Bulger was in the firsts and Collins in the Athletic, then Collins in the firsts and Bulger in the Athletic then back again as questions about player registration were resolved.

You would think that someone, not least Ewen, would know that his surname is Hamilton-Bulger and you have to look under H in an alphabetical list to find him!!!