Tribute Somerset 2 North

Oldfield Old Boys 2ndXV 3 Weston Athletic 24

Weston travelled back to Bath for the 3rd time in 4 weeks with this weeks oppostion being Oldfield II.

Both sides had identical records this season and so Weston new this would be a very difficult day.

The Seasiders, with lots of players away this week, bought in the experienced Gavin Simpson, whilst welcoming back Richard Ford and Oliver Caton from injury.

Luke Grimes made his return to club joining brothers PJ and Jake, the first time this has happened and Ramaz Rukhadze made his debut appearance for the club.

Weston stared the game slowly and took time to find any shape.

Oldfield competed well at the breakdown and the opening 20 minutes were fairly scrappy.

Weston took the lead when they finally put some phases together which created space on the outside for skipper Dan Prime to run in at the corner. Conversion missed 0-5.

Oldfield then came back strongly following an error by Weston at the restart and had they had a good period of possession which led to a converted penalty on 30 minutes.

2 minutes later and Weston scored their second following a good clearance kick and chase.

Pressure led to turnover and Prime nipped round the blind side for his 2nd try. Conversion missed 3-10 at half time.

Second half and Weston re-focused following the half time chat. Much better, shape and organisiation leading to front foot ball and Weston now making ground with their carries and this led to space on the flanks.

Simon Stuart crossed in the corner on 57 minutes, converted by Dan Prime to make it 3-17 and Weston were now searching for a rare bonus point.

That came on 70 minutes when a series of pick and goes, made great ground before PJ Grimes used his height advantage to run underneath a defenders legs and score Weston's 4th try. Converted again, final score 3-24.

This was a good result for Weston, who were a much better outfit in the second period and deservedly took the spoils.

Oldfield competed really well and were very unlucky not to score at the death. Their No8 was excellent. For Weston a few players need to reflect over the week and come back strong next Saturday.

Ramaz Rukhadze, Chris Leigh and Gavin Simpson stood out in the pack with some strong carries and defensive commitment.

PJ Grimes, Stefan Thomson and Ollie Caton were the pick of the backs.

Man of the Match went to Richard Ford who had a fine all round performance. Welcome back!