Tribute Somerset Premier

Stothert & Pitt 31 Weston United 14

Having played some average sides in recent weeks, Weston knew that they would be in for a tough afternoon against a side that has occupied a top three position for the majority of the season.

With ten minutes gone, Stothert raced into an 8-0 lead through an unconverted try and a penalty kick.

This passage of play then had the desired effect as Weston went on the attack to score the try of the match. They managed to recycle the ball from the restart and Adam Godfrey jinked around several Stothert players before passing to flanker Richie Johnston who scorched away leaving the opposition winger and fullback clutching fresh air as he made his way to the try line. Loz Ware added the extras with a fine conversion.

It was not long before the away side were adding another seven points to the scoreboard. Winger Joe McGrath was on the receiving end of a high tackle and Weston kicked the penalty to the corner.

Stothert then infringed at the lineout and with a free ball, Ware put up a speculative kick that took an awkward bounce and allowed Mitch Salisbury to react the quickest and touch down. Ware added the conversion.

Weston's poor discipline, which has been their achilles heel throughout the season, came back to haunt them. They gave away a large number of penalties resulting in the home side kicking two penalties and scoring a converted try.

Weston nearly scored a third try as another fine Godfrey break led to McGrath being tackled near the try line, but it was the home side that led 21-14 at the break.

The second half was tight and there was not much difference between the sides. Stothert scored a lucky converted try from a loose Weston pass and then they added a late penalty kick.

A fine cover tackle from winger Benbobson Fondu with the last play of the match prevented Stothert scoring the try bonus point.

The back row of Callum Kingscott, Tom Sugg & Richie Johnston were energetic throughout in particular Johnston who had an outstanding match. Mitch Salisbury played well in the centre and fullback Adam Godfrey always looked dangerous with ball in hand.

Overall Weston will be happy with a top four finish in what has been a long season littered with large amounts of injuries.

Weston United scorers - tries: Richard Johnston, Mitch Salisbury; cons: Loz Ware (2)