Tribute Somerset 2 North

Weston Athletic 31 Chew Valley 3rdXV 15

Weston's Development Squad made it 4 wins in a row with a good performance at home to Chew Valley.

The home side started really well and earnt a penalty after just one minute, which Dan Prime wasn't able to convert, but which saw Weston with great field position inside the Chew 22.

From here Weston continued to apply pressue and when the backs moved the ball wide it was Loz Armstrong who delayed his offload perfectly for Shaun Summers to collect and score his first try for the club. Conversion missed.

Weston were then a bit sloppy from the restart with handling errors giving Chew a foothold in the game.

Weston's defence looked strong and this led to frustration for the Chew no6 who lashed out and collected a yellow card on 19 mins.

However, from here Chew were the team on top. Good possession coupled with more handling errors resulting in a well deserved try to level the scores on 25 mins. Conversion missed 5-5.

This certainly woke up the Weston lads and they immediately went on the front foot.

Possession regained from the restart and the phases working well. Ball to the backs and Benbobson Fondu crossed in the corner to see Weston ahead. Conversion added 12-5 at half time.

Second half and again Weston started well. The set piece was in complete control and Weston were camped inside the Chew 22 again.

Ball moved wide and Dan Prime spotted a miss match to cross with plenty of support outside. Prime converted his own try 19-5.

Chew though we're certainly not written off and they came back strongly. With the ball carried into contact the Chew makeshift 10 was able to steal it and run in under the sticks. Conversion added 19-12

Dodgy spell now for Weston which they handled well. Chew kept coming but defence was very good and Weston reacted well when the opposition made errors.

Turnover ball on the hour was moved wide to Loz Armstrong and he was able to beat 2 defenders to score a very well taken try. Conversion added 26-12.

Chew came back again and when they slotted a penalty on 70 mins they were in the hunt for a bonus point.

However Weston had other ideas and put together an exceptional defensive display on their own line to keep Chew out.

DJ Wills, who had an outstanding impact when he came on, causing havoc and pinching ball at the breakdown saw Weston move away from their own line and push Chew back towards the half way line.

A continued defensive push seeing the ball spilt and Paul Sprague showed great control to fly hack the ball over the line to score with the final play. Conversion missed 31-15 final score.

This was a really encouraging display from Weston who worked hard for the victory.

Chew contributed really well to a hard fought contest but just ran out of steam at the end.

Great performances from all the front row players who were destructive at the scrummage and to Jake Hobden who marked his debut with an excellent display.

In the backline Stefan Thomson and Loz Armstrong looked very good in the centre with Jamie Smith looking dangerous with the ball in hand.

Man of the Match though went to skipper Paul Sprague who led by example, bought a level of experience to the pack and led the tackle count.

Great role model for the younger members of the squad.

Next week we are away at Cheddar who are just behind us in the league.