Tribute Somerset Premier

Weston United 30 Tor 25

Weston United were looking to get their first win of the season and knew they would face a tough task against a large and unbeaten Tor side. Games between these two sides are usually a close fought encounter and this was to be no different.

George Chapman opened the scoring for Weston kicking an early penalty after they had a driving maul illegally pulled down by a Tor player. This kick was soon cancelled out as the Tor ten slotted an easy kick following a scrum infringement by the Weston pack.

Weston were now dominating the scrums and had the Tor pack retreating and it was from a succession of scrums that Ollie Trott darted down the blind channel for the ball to be recycled for Second row Ben Cradock to crash over in the corner. Chapman was unable to add the extras.

This score seemed to wake Tor up who then went on to score two converted tries in quick succession.

Weston were soon back on the scoreboard as Trott took a quick tap penalty and darted up field beating several defenders before the ball was popped to replacement George Sparks to power over the line with Chapman converting.

Weston went into the break 15-17 down.

Ten minutes into the second half Weston lost flanker Dave Steele to the sin bin for not releasing the player in the tackle. Weston then retook the lead as Chapman converted a penalty as Tor failed to roll away and soon after Tor had a player in the sin bin as their penalty count increased.

With another penalty advantage, Chapman sent a sublime cross field kick towards winger Mitch Salisbury who quite superbly out jumped the defender and grounded the ball to score before being bundled into touch.

Weston's bonus point try was scored by Rich Johnston after his individual brilliance to step off his wing and beat several would be tacklers and speed his way to the try line. Chapman was also able to add the extras.

Tor then kicked a penalty and with less than ten minutes to play and Weston leading 30-20 and with a penalty awarded to Weston as they were camped near their own line a sigh of relief was breathed by all.

The sensible thing would be to hoof the ball down field and clear your lines one would think........but no!

For some strange reason and a reason that only he will know, George Sparks took a quick tap penalty to himself and started to run the ball, surely he must have seen the 15 Tor defenders in front of him.....surely he must know the significance of the match....clearly not.

Sparks then decided to kick (slice) the ball (badly) straight to their winger who ran it back with interest and left Weston having to defend the final six minutes. Tor did score a try near the end but Weston held out and deservedly won the match.

The urgency and passion was back and Weston looked like the decent side they are. The return of the hard working Joe Pullen at hooker and Phil Hobbs at prop gave the pack an edge and certainly contributed to a solid platform for the lively Weston backs to work from.

Trott & Chapman had fine games as did Jon Filer at centre. Salisbury continues to impress on the wing and Johnston also made a huge contribution on his return to the side.

The presence and leadership skills of Sparks also helped what is still a relatively young side.

The referee on exchange from London had a fine afternoon also and for any rugby fan this was a great game of rugby between two tough sides in glorious sunshine at the Rec.

Weston United: Sam Waterman; Mitch Salisbury, Loz Armstrong, Jon Filer, Rich Johnson; George Chapman, Ollie Trott; Jake Whatley, Joe Pullen, Phil Hobbs, Ross Chesher, Ben Cradick, Dave Steels, Blaine Tottle, Simon Hudson. Reps: Ed Hunt, George Sparks, Huw Morgan.

Weston United scorers - tries: Ben Cradock, George Sparks, Mitch Salisbury, Rich Johnson; cons: George Chapman (2); pens: George Chapman (2); yellow card: Dave Steele (52 min)