Tribute Somerset Premier

Gordano nil Weston United 24

Match report, courtesy of Sam Waterman

First away game of the season at Gordano was anticipated as a much tougher test for the United after last week. Gordano had spent the previous season a league higher.

This coupled with the new coaching partnership of Hurd and Burge on the opposition touchline (both ex Weston players and coaches), provided enough incentive for the team to put in a fantastic all round performance.

However, it should be noted that the brains of the team in Ed Hunt, Will Hunt and Dave Price should not be allowed to travel together ever again!

The forwards had a great arm wrestle of a battle all game, but the key differentiator was the Weston backline. Three of the four tries were to come from first phase ball with everyone in the backline contributing with scything runs.

After a bit of a nervy start with some uncharacteristic basic errors, Weston took the ascendancy with Huw Morgan living up to his “butter knife” nickname and carving through the opposition. Gordano were unlucky to lose 2 players in one phase of play, one with a rather nasty dislocated shoulder.

The first try came from Benbobsen Fondu finishing off a superb miss pass from Kirk Middlemiss. He had work to do, but the trademark Cobra fend came out to see off the last defender. Despite going under the posts,

Middlemiss unfortunately hit the post with the conversion, deputising for Lomax who was nursing a groin injury… clearly being back from NZ he’s been re-using some muscles that had been forgotten for a while! Gordano responded with a penalty kick, which kicked Weston into gear.

From the restart the try of the game was scored. Mitch Salisbury, who had a fine game seeking work off his wing at every opportunity, did superbly to win the ball in the air. It was quickly recycled, with some outstanding hands from several players and line break by Dan Lomax left Morgan a stroll in with 2 players still outside him. Conversion missed.

Gordano again replied with a couple of penalties, albeit both from fairly innocuous reasons for being awarded. 10-9 to Weston and the game was on a knife edge, however team attitude and mentality prevailed.

Weston absorbed some Gordano pressure and excellent tackling, led by man of the match Richard Johnston kept them at bay. Johnston then stole a lineout, for Jack Salisbury to feed the backs again. A perfectly timed run by Adam Godfrey onto Middlemiss’s pass sent him racing through yet another Gordano Wookey!

He drew the last player in a simple 2 on 1 and sent Fondu in for his 2nd. Lomax stepped up and nudged the conversion from the sideline. 17-9 into the wind at the break, and it was a rather happy half time chat. Price replaced Jake Whatley who’d had a great half despite not feeling too well, Gordano’s facilities quickly required attendance from Jake…!

Hayden Tuttiett came off the bench at 9 for Jack and quickly got into his usual game of bossing the forwards well. The only score of the half came from a scrum where Lomax ghosted though and some slick hands found Godfrey to go over. Morgan converted. Tuttiett was moved to 10 when Lomax’s groin finally got the better of him, and Jack returned.

Despite losing the play maker Weston continued to dominate. Chesher, Light and Hudson all carried well, regularly breaking tackles with direct runs. Callum Kingscott, who was making a return after a spell out for concussion during pre-season, joined the fray and carried in a rather more elusive fashion… the lad doesn’t mind a sidestep or two.

There were a couple of opportunities squandered in the half, with Sam Light being adjudged as held up after breaking clear. Not quite sure how anyone can hold up 22 stone if I’m honest!

The ever youthful Dave Bird, who has provided great inspiration as captain, was the recipient of a yellow card. More the result of team penalties (which must be reduced still) and being 10m from our line. The 14 players left defended resolutely, determined not to concede this season’s first try.

This continued to the 80th minute when their big ball carrying centre was bundled into touch 1 yard short.

Outstanding result in a game that everyone from Weston enjoyed… not sure how Burge and Hurd felt! No tries conceded in 2 games (and only 1 in 6 games across all 3 teams), and the United continue to display great team spirit and attitude. Next week is the visit of Wiveliscombe who have also had a great start to the season, which is a continuation of where they left things last season.

Weston United scorers - tries: Tries: Aaron Godfrey, Benbobsen Fondu (2), Huw Morgan; cons: Kirk Middlemiss, Dan Lomax; yellow card: David Bird (54 min)