This eagerly awaited local derby which was played under lights on Friday evening attracted a very large crowd, who witnessed a wonderfully even match.

It was Hornets who drew first blood as Weston lost their own lineout and then missed several tackles on the Hornets scrum half who went over the try line and the conversion was added.

Four minutes later Weston were level. A strong carry by returning second row Andy Glen gave prop Darren Doughty a rare try against his old side which George Chapman converted.

Weston then took the lead after a sustained period of possession and pressure. Centre Huw Morgan jinked his way up field, stepped two defenders and then off loaded superbly to winger Mitch Salisbury to score a fine try. Chapman was unable to add the extras.

Hornets then came back and scored a converted try of their own having dominated an attacking scrum and they went in at the break with the two point advantage, 12-14.

Ten minutes into the second half Weston lost Paul Morrissey to the sin bin for the second game running and Hornets took advantage of the extra man by dominating the scrum and then spreading quick ball wide for their winger to score in the corner. Conversion was missed.

Hornets then converted a penalty to open-up a ten point lead.

On the hour mark Weston came back fighting. A good catch and drive at the lineout set up a well organised maul that Hornets couldn't defend. Captain James Matthews was the beneficiary from the maul and crossed the line and Chapman was able to add the extra two.

With seven minutes remaining Hornets decided to replace their tighthead prop. This decision severely affected their scrum and Weston now began to dominate this area. Weston were rightly awarded a penalty at a Hornets scrum and Chapman held his nerve to convert the kick.

The last five minutes was played out and a draw was a fair result in the end for both sides in a evenly matched derby. This was a fine advert for Somerset Premier rugby and the match was officiated very well by the referee.

For Weston, Winger Ollie Caton looked a threat all evening and Huw Morgan improves with every game he plays.

Weston United: Adam Godfrey; Mitch Salisbury, Huw Morgan, Sam Waterman, Ollie Caton; George Chapman, Jack Salisbury; Ddarren Doughty, Joe Pullen, Phil Hobbs, Andy Glen Callum Kingscott, James Matthews, Rich Johnson, Paul Morrissey. Reps: Will Hunt, Ben Cradock, Paul Sprague.

Weston United scorers - tries: Darren Doughty, Mitch Salisbury, James Matthews; cons: George Chapman (2); pen: George Chapman; yellow card: Paul Morrissey (50 min)