Tribute Somerset Premier

Weston United 26 Oldfield Old Boys 20

Weston were looking to get back to winning ways at the Recreation ground and it was the home side that started the brightest.

Early pressure at the Oldfield lineout by second row Ash Russell turned the ball over nicely and enabled George Chapman to float a wide pass out to winger Matt Watkins to race over the line for the first try. Chapman added the extras.

Oldfield then went on the attack, despite a knock on by their winger play continued and they were awarded a penalty as the Weston midfield was caught offside. Three points converted.
Matt Watkins then intercepted an Oldfield attack and raced away for what looked to be his second try only to be caught by a superb cover tackle by the Oldfield fullback.

Weston then lost captain James Matthews to an arm injury and he was replaced by flanker Blaine Tottle.

Five minutes before the break Oldfield scored an unconverted try, again there were knock-ons in the lead up to it that were not seen by the referee and the Weston midfield were again caught offside due to lazy defending.

Weston trailed at halftime 7-8.

Weston started the second half well and were soon in the lead. The pack won the ball against the head at scrum time and Chapman sent a kick to the sky where the Oldfield fullback lost his bearings enabling Loz Armstrong to gather the loose ball and score. Chapman added the conversion.

Weston then conceded two relatively quick tries, both of which were down to poor tackling and poor communication between the defensive line.

Centre Jon Filer then gave away a needless penalty as he tackled his opposite number and as Weston were looking to turn over the ball, Filer removed the boot from the foot of the tackled player........one can only think he was looking for a souvenir having made his first tackle of the season!!!!!

With twelve minutes remaining and Weston trailing 14-20 the home side went on the attack. Weston were awarded a penalty after hooker Joe Pullen was lifted off the ground in a tackle.

They kicked to the corner and Russell secured the ball from the lineout and following a good driving maul it was Pullen who crossed the line and Chapman converted for Weston to lead by a point.

With time running out Weston took a quick tap from a free kick and spread the ball wide for winger Troy Hannam to score in the corner and secure the four try bonus point.

Oldfield stayed in this game for long periods due to countless Weston errors but it was the home side that definitely deserved the win. The Weston pack shunted their opposition about for large chunks of the game.

Props Darren Doughty and Jake Whatley had fine games in particular Whatley who carried the ball well and tackled relentlessly in his best game so far. Russell showed his experience with a fine all round display and Simon Hudson also had a good afternoon at number eight.

There are still areas for improvement but this was a good five points against a young and very well drilled side.

Weston United: Sam Waterman; Matt Watkins, Loz Armstrong, Jon Filer, Troy Hannam; George Chapman, Ollie Trott; Jake Whatley, Joe Pullen, Darren Doughty, Ash Russell, Ross Chesher, Paul Sprague, James Matthews, Simon Hudosn. Reps: Blaine Tottlle, Rich Johnson, Will Hunt.

Weston United scorers - tries: Matt Watkins, Loz Armstrong, Joe Pullen, Troy Hannam; cons: George Chapman (3)

Match photos HERE