Tribute Somerset Premier

Weston United 25 Wiveliscombe 5

When Weston travelled to Wiveliscombe at the end of October they snatched defeat from the jaws of victory and they were determined to try and put the wrongs right on a cold afternoon at The Recreation Ground on Saturday.

The game started well for Weston scoring an unconverted try after four minutes. Some stern defence from Wivvy thwarted an initial catch and drive by the Weston pack, only for Jack Salisbury and Troy Hannam to find space to attack the blind chanel and feed to winger Joe McGrath to score.

With a strong wind in their favour, the last twenty five minutes of the half was all Wivvy as they attacked the Weston line but they could not score due to some solid defending most noticeably from Gavin Simpson and Sam Coles.

Wivvy then missed a relatively easy kick at goal from a penalty and Weston went in at the break leading 5-0.

At the start of the second half Weston gave away a series of penalties which resulted in Wivvy drawing level as they scored a try through their pack from a catch and drive at the lineout. That was to be the final score for Wivvy as Weston went on the attack for the remainder of the match.

The Weston pack were now starting to dominate the scrums and they were eventually awarded a penalty for their efforts that George Chapman was able to convert.

On the hour mark Chapman fired a cross-field kick towards the far corner which took a fortunate bounce for the home side, allowing winger McGrath to finish well for his second of the match.

Wivvy then had a lineout near to their own try line which they managed to knock on. From the resulting scrum, number eight Simpson broke and ran through the Wivvy fly half to score which Chapman was able to convert.

With ten minutes left Weston went in search of the four try bonus point and thought they had scored it when good hands by the backs put veteran winger Paul Sprague away who crossed the line. Bizarrely the referee said that Sprague had been held up despite the Wivvy players saying it was a try.

As time started to run out Wivvy lost a forward to the sin bin. Weston kicked the penalty to the corner and from the resulting lineout Simpson was driven over the line for his second of the match, despite Ben Cradock trying to claim the try!

This was an impressive second half display from Weston to secure the five points. McGrath had a fine afternoon on the wing and Hannam was always looking for work. In the pack, Simpson had a solid game and Callum Kingscott and Dave Bird secured several turnovers and tackled well.

The biggest plus for Weston was the performance of prop Sam Coles who was returning following a lengthy lay off through injury. His work at the set piece caused Wivvy countless problems and he also carried well in the loose.

The United have a week off now before their next game which is a tough away trip to neighbours and league leaders Yatton.

Weston United: Troy Hannam; Joe McGrath, Loz Ware, Jon Filer, Paul Sprague; George Chapman, Jack Salisbury; Sam Coles, Joe Pullen, Will Hunt, Ben Cradock, Ross Chesher, Callum Kingscott, David Bird, Gavin Simpson. Reps: Jake Whatley, Stuart Board, Mike Leahy.

Weston United scorers - tries: Joe McGrath (2), Gavin Simpson (2); con: George Chapman; pen: George Chapman