Tribute Somerset Premier

Weston United 32 Old Redcliffians 2ndXV 5

Weston were looking to start the year as they had finished the last and stretch their unbeaten run to seven games. The pitch was in surprisingly good condition considering the amount of rain that had fallen during the festive break and the Weston side were looking to avenge for the dismal display at the start of the season against their South Bristol opponents.

Weston started the game at an electric pace, scoring four tries and securing the bonus point after just twenty minutes.

Scrum half Ben Searle,  who departed the match in the second half with a broken nose was first to score as the ball popped out of a Reds scrum allowing Searle to pounce.

A strong carry by Huw Morgan up the middle of the pitch, allowed the supporting Paul Sprague to secure quick ball for fly half Dan Prime to jink around the Reds winger to score in the corner for a fine try.

From the kick off, lively fullback Matt Burns attacked and Reds were not able to deal with the quick feet and pace of Burns who drew the final defender and passed to the supporting Morgan to score the try of the match.

The fourth try was scored by Captain James Matthews following a great catch and drive at the lineout by the forwards. For some reason prior to half time, Weston went off the boil and let Reds have a lot of possession during which time Weston lost prop Phil Hobbs to the sin bin.

Some back chat by hooker Joe Pullen to the official led to a Reds penalty which they kicked to the corner and scored a try from the resulting lineout. Weston led 20-5 at the break.

At the start of the second half, centre Sam Waterman made a strong break beating several defenders before getting tackled. The ball was quickly recycled and winger Mitch Salisbury crossed for the try. Weston then had to reshuffle their back line as Waterman departed with a nasty looking broken finger.

In the latter stages of the match the Weston pack were camped on the Reds line for some time and the pressure told as a Reds forward was sent to the bin. Matthews elected to scrum the penalty and it was left to colts number 8 Tom Sugg who was making his second team debut to score the sixth and final try from a pushover that replacement utility back Chris Young was able to convert.

This was another solid win for Weston and if truth be told they could have scored another three or four tries if better handling and decision making were improved.

Flanker Paul Sprague had a fine afternoon against his old side and prop Will Hunt caused the Reds forwards a few problems at their set piece. In the backs, Morgan continues to impress, Winger Troy Hannam had his best game for a while and Matt Burns was excellent in attack.

Weston United: Matt Burns; Mitch Salisbury, Huw Morgan, Sam Waterman, Troy Hannam; Dan Prime, Ben Searle; Phil Hobbs, Joe Pullen, Will Hunt, Callum Kingscott, Ross Chesher, Paul Sprague, James Matthews, Tom Sugg. Reps: Aaron Solomon, Dave Steele, Chris Young.

Weston United scorers - tries: Ben Searle, Dan Prime, Huw Morgan, James Matthews, Mitch Salisbury, Tom Sugg; con: Chris Young; yellow card: Phil Hobbs (35 min)