Weston stretch winning sequence to eight matches

Fri 12 Aug 2022 14:51

Sat 29 Oct 2016

Okehampton RFC

13 - 36

Weston-super-Mare RFC

Tribute South West 1 West

Okehampton 13 pts Weston-super-Mare 36 pts

Weston travelled to Okehampton for this first-ever meeting between the two clubs as the only unbeaten side in South West 1 West.

Weston were supported by a large group of the past players association who had travelled by coach for the game.

On a perfect afternoon for rugby, with bright sunshine and no breeze Weston kicked off and found themselves defending against a lively and energetic home outfit. Despite tremendous pressure being exerted by Okehampton and Weston falling foul of some refereeing decisions which confused the away supporters, the only scoring chance for the home side was a penalty which struck the upright and fell harmlessly away.

With their first meaningful period of possession, the Weston backs moved the ball wide, out on to both wings and recycled quickly. The forwards were rampaging in the middle of the field working closer to the line, when an excellent carry brought Weston’s first try, and his first for the club from skipper Sam Coles.

James Mackay made the conversion, passing 100 points for the season and giving Weston an early lead.

The game continued at a lively pace and it was Okehampton who scored next, a penalty from 40 yards. Almost from the restart, Weston drove hard at the Okehampton defence and the speed of their attacking moves, with both Dickson and Morgan regularly threatening to break through, allowed them to go close and with the forwards looking unstoppable, Spelman touched down for Weston’s second try.

Okehampton were not downhearted by this and their riposte earned another penalty, which pulled the score back to 6-12.

The last 10 minutes of the half saw Weston take full control. The forwards drove towards the line and Mike Hocking scored under the posts for Mackay to convert.

Just two minutes later another drive was halted by a penalty infringement which Mackay slotted and in time added on for injury, Weston’s backs opened up Okehampton’s defence and a jinking run from Robbie MacKay earned him a try and the bonus point. James Mackay converted and Weston ended the half 6-29 in front.

The second half of this keenly contested match continued with Okehampton continually threatening with some excellent counter attacking rugby, but the Weston defence remained secure and they posed their own threat with some great carries from Tom Hocking, on for Streeter, and from Russell and Glen.

Out wide, Watkins was making great ground and Jones ran superbly from full-back. After excellent work from the backs, quickly recycled ball saw the forwards drive for the line and hooker Mike Hocking got the try, his second of the game. With Mackay’s conversion Weston looked safe with 12 minutes remaining and the score 6-36.

Okehampton had played well all game and in a spirited last effort their forwards forced a try which was converted.

Weston’s control of the game never looked to be threatened and they had produced an excellent performance. The replacements slotted in seamlessly, demonstrating strength in depth. There was a welcome return from injury for scrum-half Ollie Trott, and Webb, who had come on for the injured Bignell, had another good game.

Weston remain unbeaten in this league after eight rounds and have an eight-point lead at the top of the table over rivals Thornbury.

Westons-uper-Mare scorers - tries: Sam Coles, Dan Spelman, Robbie Mackay, Mike Hocking (2); cons: James Mackay (4); pen: James Mackay

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