Tribute Somerset 2 North

Gordano 2ndXV nil Weston Athletic 45

Athletic travelled to Gordano seeking revenge for a narrow defeat back in October, a game they should never have lost.

Despite a number of last minute changes Weston Athletic produced a great performance. The forwards were dominant especially in loose play and the backs proved to hot for the Gordano defence to handle.

Burns opened the scoring after good work by both forwards and backs and he was on the score sheet again just three minutes later when neat interplay and sharp passing saw him slice through the remains of the Gordano defence for a score under the posts. Lomax added the extras for Weston to take a 12 point lead in less than 15 minutes.

Weston kept up the pressure and Prime was on hand to take the scoring pass from Ben Wheeler's break to out sprint the defence. Lomax converted again and shortly after the restart Prime was able to return the favour as he put Ben Wheeler away for a try. Lomax was on form with the boot and Weston turned round at half time with a commanding 26-0 lead.

Weston took full advantage of the wind and soon had Gordano pinned near their own line. Replacement prop Rowlands touched down following a catch and drive from a line out and soon after he crashed through a shaky defence for another try this time from a tap penalty just seven meters out.

Despite Gordano finally rallying and setting up some attacks of their own the Weston defence rarely looked troubled.

Following a great passage of play with the ball being recycled several times centre Ben Wheeler muscled his way over the line. Gordano were well beaten and could not produce enough flowing play to exert any pressure and the game ended with Weston the deserved victors by 45 points to nil.

This ninth victory in a row places Weston third and closing the gap on league leaders Bristol Harlequins as they lost on Saturday to Walcott. With seven games remaining in the season Weston are well placed to secure a top three place.

Special mention should be made for the approach to the game and the defence being much better organised. Athletic have only conceded 27 points in 2015 and they have scored 183 points including 29 tries.

Despite not being anything like match fit Burns and Middlemiss bring welcome experience and organising to the side and Dave Steele had a very solid game at full back with a number of charges at the opposition , on one occasion bouncing two defenders out of his way.

This week the forwards were boosted by the appearance of veteran Mervyn Down as well as a great second half show from Chris Rowlands.

Nobody, especially the Gordano winger will forget the Exocet tackle that he put in, as well as delivering a good shift in the pack.

Robbie Blackborrow has made his bones as a second row as he got yellow carded for returning a punch with interest after he had legitimately tackled a Gordano forward.

A ten minute rest and a black eye did not dent his enthusiastic performance. Lomax had a good day with excellent service to Prime and 5 conversions.

Despite an attack of cramp Josh Wheeler played the last 25 minutes and didn't put a foot wrong. Charlie Hearne, on for the injured Henry Monelle showed great pace in attack and put in some fine tackles.

Despite a sticky and slippery playing surface Weston produced an entertaining performance, and their most satisfying win of the season as they dispatched Gordano who were just one place below the athletic before the game.