This was captain Andrew Glen's 250th appearance and there were also first team debuts for prop Will Hunt and lock Ross Chesher as well as a surprise return for veteran former first team captain Dave Bird who played on the blindside.

Weston took the lead in the second minute through a Dan Lomax drop goal and the fly half increased the lead with a penalty soon after. This considering that the hosts were playing into a howling gale and persistent rain was no mean feat.

However with the elements in their favour the visitors hit back with a try by number eight Dean Folland who broke through from a scrum near the Weston line.

Fly half Ollie Wickett converted and he also produced a superb kick from wide out to add the extras to full back Chris Snells well taken effort.

With Weston eight points down at the break they must have fancied their chances with the elements in their favour and soon after the restart left wing Matt Watkins received a superb inside pass from centre Chris Young to scoot in under the sticks.

Lomax converted and for the next twenty minutes it was all Weston. The pack was dominating and it was no surprise when referee Mister Heath awarded a penalty try following heavy pressure at the scrum.

Lomax again converted and it looked as though Weston would go on and win. However Bideford had other ideas and after lock Jonno Mock cut the deficit to one point it was Wickettwho won the game for the visitors with a long range effort.

For Weston Glen and Bird were superb throughout as was full back Ross Bennett.

However Weston's old failings of poor game management when in a winning position all but scuppered any hopes of a quick return to National league rugby.

Weston-super-Mare scorers - tries: Matt Watkins; pen try: cons: Dan Lomax (2); pen: Dan Lomax, dg: Dan Lomax

Bideford scorers - tries: Dean Folland, Chris Snell, Mock; cons: OllieWickett (2); pen: Wickett