Athletic travelled to Stotherts Bath ground with a side which on paper looked a strong one. Earlier in the season Athletic had trounced Stothert in a game cut short by the ref, and they were hoping for a similar result.

Stothert had other ideas and they started the better going down the slope on a pitch that was very muddy and cutting up very badly right from the start.

The Stothert side was very much stronger than the side they took to Weston and despite a promising early break by the Weston backs which resulted in the opening score – a penalty from fly half Dan Prime, it was Stothert who were exerting pressure.

Just six minutes into the game they scored the first try of the game down the blind side following a catch and drive from a line out. The conversion was missed but the home side led 5 – 3.

The poor conditions under foot and the ball being smothered in sticky clay resulted in untidy and scrappy play. A clearance kick from Weston was fielded by the Stothert full back who chipped it back.

None of the Stothert players made an attempt to get on side and a fortunate charge down by an offside player from Weston’s second clearance kick resulted in a converted try for the home side.

Athletic came back into the game but were still 9 points adrift at half time but with confidence high with both the slope and the breeze in their favour for the second spell.

Weston started the second half with more energy and their backs played as if they were on a dry pitch. They were almost through the Stothert defence when Leahy ran a great angle and wrong footed the opposition.

His offload almost went to hand but the real damage at this point was to his hamstring and he limped off. Nash bravely accepted the challenge of playing in the centre and his place in the back row was filled by Charlie Hearne.

With Weston pressing hard Prime picked up loose ball and scampered over in the corner for the Athletic’s first try. His conversion attempt was wide but Weston were now just 4 points behind with 20 minutes to play.

The Athletic then opted for their greater strength and skill in the forwards and drove at the Stothert line time and again. They were thwarted by stern resistance which resulted in a series of penalties.

Twice number 8 James Matthews crossed the line and appeared to have successfully grounded the ball only for the ref to declare the ball held up. It was only after the ninth penalty in a row, with the Weston pack in complete control, that the ref finally awarded a penalty try. Prime converted and Weston saw out the last effort by Stothert to clinch the game by 12-15.

This was a huge effort from the whole team, particularly the forwards but also with good defensive work and some excellent tackling from the backs, which allowed the Athletic to take their unbeaten run to six games in a row.

This leaves them firmly in third place in Somerset 2 North some 7 points clear of fourth placed Old Reds and with a game in hand.

They will be looking to field a good team again next week as they face local rivals Winscombe in the rearranged fixture.