Tribute Somerset 2 North

Stothert & Pitt 3 Weston Athletic 27

The match at Stothert's ground was played out in atrocious conditions with driving rain for most of the game.

Despite very difficult handling conditions the Athletic played an open game and used their backs to great effect. The forwards provided a very solid platform.

Tom Wheatley had a great game on his return from injury and he and Rob Tollan had the upper hand in the front row from the start.

Good attacking play right from the start saw Kane Chamberlain open Athletic's account with a try agfter just 4 minutes.

Athletic moved further ahead with Dan Prime scoring a try wide out after forwards and backs combined to recycle the ball and run it wide.

Stothert then had their best spell but all they had to show for a massive effort was a single penalty. Athletic's defence was secure with Robbie Blackborow and debutant Jacob Cox putting in a number of excellent tackles.

Athletic scored again late in the first half and turned round 15-3 up despite playing into the wind and rain and up the slope.

The advantage of the slope and the wind at their backs was rather diminished as the conditions deteriorated and the very heavy rain made handling exceptionally difficult.

The playing surface was also becoming treacherous and yet the Athletic ran the ball at every opportunity.

The forwards were dominant but some decisions from the ref were hard to understand and Weston were prevented from taking full advantage of their dominance up front.

Nevertheless Athletic defended well and attacked with speed and accuracy and were rewarded by a bonus point try for skipper Dan Prime, which he converted and a second try for Ben Wheeler.

An excellent team performance with a number of players showing great commitment and skill. Loz Ware had a wonderful game before being forced to retire witha dead leg.

Billy Kirk replaced Robbie Blackborow and maintained the tackle count.

Athletic retain top spot in Somerset 2 North as the withdrawal of Keynsham and Clevedon disrupts the league with several teams now having games in hand.

Athletic will next play Gordano at home on the 19th December