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Weston Athletic 26 Oldfield Old Boys 2ndXV 22

Weston athletic snatch third spot as they edge out Oldfield Old Boys

Weston Athletic's season ended on a high as they leap frogged their opponents in this final league game of the season in Somerset 2 North.

Oldfield, who started the day in third place, above Weston on points difference began the game with great energy and determination. They attacked time and again but were thwarted by some great defensive work by the whole Athletic team.

With almost no possession and pinned in their own 22 Weston finally conceded a try after 29 minutes of play. This reverse seemed to galvanise Weston and they produced 10 minutes of pressure and a series of scrums on the Oldfield line. Wills was held up over the line and Weston's pack was denied a pushover three times by very narrow margins and the first half ended with Oldfield leading by the only score of the half.

With the wind at their backs Weston began the second half with a different game plan and a great touch kick from replacement centre Darren Burns gave Weston an attacking opportunity which resulted in Ben Wheeler's try near the post. Prime converted to give Weston a narrow lead.

Another kick from Burns put the Oldfield full back under pressure and his error allowed winger Si Stuart to beat prop Jimmy Disney to touch down for Weston's second try.

Prime converted and Weston looked as though they might pull away but Oldfield fought back and forwards and backs combined, with some great offloads and the scored in the corner. Crucially the conversion was missed.

With both sides throwing everything into attack the players provided a great spectacle and Weston were next to score after a series of forward drives and excellent work from the Weston centres, Grimes and Prime moved the ball wide and replacement second row Frost score out wide. Prime's third conversion was his best of the day.

There were several good attacks down both wings and Mu was unlucky not to score on the right after a break by Burns. A second chance was foiled when Wheeler and Mu combined again to go close but were held up by desperate defence from the Oldfield backs.

Weston's pressure paid off with 10 minutes to go as Ben Wheeler scorched through and touched down for his second try.

Oldfield were not finished and they worked their way up field.

Weston's defence was stretched after Wheeler had been yellow carded for a tip tackle and they scored a try and conversion but they had run out of time and Weston were relieved to hear the final whistle with the score in favour of the home side by 26-22.

This game was an excellent example of the entertaining rugby that is played at this level.

Weston's victory was down to a superb team effort, and to the work on Weston's Young open side Kieran Shelley who won loads of turn over ball as well as putting in crucial tackles.

Captain Dan Prime has been in form all season with the boot and his three conversions helped secure victory.

This win puts Weston Athletic in third place for the second successive season and they will be looking to go one better next season.