Tribute Somerset 2 North

Weston Athletic 41 Gordano 2ndXV 14

Weston's Development Squad welcomed Gordano II to the Rec this weekend and won through thanks to a very strong second half show.

Playing into a strong breeze in the first half Weston were slow out of the blocks and allowed Gordano to boss the early stages.

The visitors deservedly took the lead on 8 minutes following a catch and drive that Weston managed to hold out, but slipped off first up tackles from the ensuing ruck and allowed Gordano's centre to cross under the posts. Conversion added 0-7.

Weston's response was outstanding and the quickly found themselves inside the opposition 22 following a penalty kick to touch. From the lineout, Weston moved the ball well across the pitch where fullback Simon Stuart ran in Weston's opener. Conversion added 7-7.

Weston now had the upper hand and looked to threaten, only poor handling preventing a further score. Then on 18 minutes a scuffed clearance kick was fielded by Benbobson Fondu, who stepped inside and accelerated away.

A trademark hand-off didn't prevent him being hauled down, but Gordano were caught offside at the ensuing ruck. Tap penalty taken and Josh Burton carried well before quick ruck ball allowed Dan Prime to cross in the corner. Conversion missed 12-7.

Weston now looked to build, but again were let down by some poor handling skills. When a dropped ball in midfield was scooped up on 24 minutes Gordano moved it to their pacey left winger who scampered home unchallenged. Conversion added 12-14.

The remainder of the half was very evenly contested with the referee's whistle being the major player as the sides couldn't put phases together.

One more chance before half time and Weston took it, when Benbobson Fondu checked to take a pass before crashing through the tackle and sprinting away to score on the stroke of half time. Conversion missed 17-14 at the break.

Weston made 6 changes, with Ben Craddock adding a bit of experience in the boiler, whilst Shaun Summers made his debut for the club (GD on hold) and Sol Ward made a welcome return to the game after 12 months on the sideline following a career threatening double leg fracture and disclocation at the beginning of last season. Great to see you back!!

Second half underway and Weston were camped in the Gordano half. 50 minutes gone and an over thrown lineout was pounced on by Weston's impressive scrum half PJ Grimes who carried well.

Good ruck ball was popped onto Sol Ward who made ground before turning inside to find Jake Grimes (PJ's taller brother) on hand to cross under the sticks. Conversion added 24-14.

From here Weston should have taken complete control, but momentum swung back to Gordano following some ill discipline by Weston and the home side found themselves under pressure inside their own 22.

However to the teams' credit, they held out well and were eventually able to clear their lines. A good kick chase saw a knock on by the Gordano full back and Weston were now back in the right area of the pitch.

On 68 minutes Weston's pack reinforced their dominance at the scrum when they took one against the head inside Gordano's 22. PJ Grimes went blind before popping the pass to Dan Prime who was able to beat his man and score in the corner.

Benbobson Fondu advised to take up a more threating position at the next scrum. Conversion missed 29-14. From the kick off Weston caught the ball well and moved it quickly to winger Charlie Hearn. Only a high tackle from the Gordano 10 stopping another Weston try.

Yellow card and the game was now gone for the visitors. 75th minute and from a penalty award at a scrum in midfield, PJ Grimes quickly tapped and went before anyone knew where he was he was under the posts for Weston's 6th try. Conversion added 36-14.

There was to be one final score for Westonwhen Benbobson did take up that more threasting position at a Gordano scrum. Weston duly took it against the head and Grimes, to Prime to Fondu who trotted in unopposed. Coversion missed Final score Weston 41 Gordano 14.

The second half performance was really impressive from the lads who continue to develop and improve. Gordano deserve lots of credit, particularly in the first half where things were very close and we look forward to the return fixture.

Stand outs this week were Rob Tollan, Josh Burton and Jake Grimes in the pack, with PJ Grimes, Mike Leahy and the excellent BenBobson Fondu (who's hand-offs and powerful running threatened all day) going well in the backs.

Man of the Match this week goes to DJ Wills, who has found a renewed enthusiasm for the game and is working really well to put this into action on the pitch. Nice bosh at the end!!

Next week we are away at Walcott. All training Tuesday please.