Tribute Somerset Premier

Old Redcliffians 2ndXV 36 Weston United 5

Weston United were looking to get back to winning ways against their Bristol neighbours but sadly it was not to be.

Weston did start the game brightly playing down the hill and as they spun the ball wide, Jon Filer put a lovely kick in behind the Reds defence and in the process was hit late and around the neck and as Sam Waterman gathered the ball over the Reds try line he just was not strong enough to ground it and was held up over the line.

The referee brought play back for the penalty and to the amazement of everyone including the Reds supporters he failed to issue the offending player with a yellow card!

The penalty kick was then missed by fly half Dan Lomax.

Reds then scored a converted try after a poor kick down field by Weston found the Reds speedy winger who made plenty of ground before being tackled by the impressive Mitch Salisbury. Reds recycled well to allow their flanker to open the scoring.

Weston could have then scored a couple of tries, firstly Lomax made a lovely break to side step the defence and then pop the ball inside to Simon Hudson but the second row ran out of steam. A few minutes later Robbie Mackay made a nice break and the ball went wide only for Filer to be held up as the try line beckoned.

Just before the break flanker Ben Cox was correctly shown a yellow card as he grabbed the Reds scrum half after he took a quick tap penalty. Reds kicked to the corner and scored from a simple catch and drive and Weston lost Hudson to a knee injury in the process of trying to prevent the try.

Weston trailed 12-0 at the break.

Things didn't improve during the second half as they went on to concede a further four tries and 24 points. All Weston had to show for was a solitary try by prop Aaron Solomon who went over in the corner following good work by Tom Crossman.

The officiating during this match was of a poor standard with both sides having various complaints leaving players frustrated, although it has to be said this was not the reason why Weston lost.

Weston lost the match due to a lack of passion and aggression and in particular in their forwards. Weston easily had the better back line on the pitch, but for some reason the Weston pack tried to take Reds on up front and were out muscled in all areas in particular the scrum.

Ben Cradock and Tom Crossman worked tirelessly and carried the ball well. Salisbury on debut had a fine afternoon in defence and attack and Loz Ware looked a threat when he came on at fullback.

Ollie Caton again looked a threat on the wing and was always looking for work but sadly the backs were not allowed enough of the ball to punish Reds.

Weston United: Sam Waterman; Mitch Salisbury Robbie Mackay, Jon Filer, Ollie Caton; Dan Lomax Ollie Trott (capt); Jake Whatley, Harry Nash, Aaron Solomon, Simon Hudson, Ben Cradick, Ben Cox, Blaine Tottle, Tom Crossman. Reps: Ed Hunt, Ross Chesher, Loz Armstrong

Weston United scorer - try: Aaron Solomon; yellow card: Ben Cox (38 min)