Tribute Somerset 2 North

Cheddar Valley nil Weston Athletic 17

Weston travelled to Cheddar this week for this eagerly anticipated contest which turned out to be 4th v 3rd in the table.

Weston knew that Cheddar would look to impose themselves physically from the start and that's exactly what they faced, whilst looking to use their pace to move the ball wide in attack.

The set piece, which turned out to be a shambles all day, had Cheddar clearly on top in the first half but continued resets meant that the game was very stop start.

Cheddar had lots of possession in the early stages, but it was the visitors who were taking advantage of the ball.

A penalty on 7 minutes from Dan Prime gave Weston the lead before turnover ball inside the Weston half was quickly moved wide.

Cheddar's centre gambled on the intercept and lost, the ball was floated to full back Jamie Smith and he showed excellent acceleration to race away and score under the sticks. Conversion added, 0-10 on 15 minutes.

Things settled back into reset scrumathon for the next 15 minutes with Weston looking to utilise turnover ball.

Nauris Berzins, who carried well all day, made a clean break which should have led to Weston's second, before an action replay of the first try saw PJ Grimes score under the posts on the half hour. Conversion added and Weston 0-17 up.

Second half about to start and Weston down to bare bones following injuries during the first half to centre Loz Armstrong and prop Sol Ward.

Knowing that the intensity would increase Weston settled in for an outstanding defensive display.

Cheddar came hard but Weston were not going to let their line be breached. In the set piece, it was Weston's turn to dominate and this led to frustration in the Cheddar ranks.

One incident of note following a scuffle on the floor leading to a bit of pushy shovey nonsense between both sides and a lanky spectator in a bobble hat who wanted to get involved.

Weston had their moments in attack and probably could have added to their tally. A few poor decisions costing us.

This was a really positive day for the Weston players who are proving their doubters wrong.

A physical game which the boys more than held their own in. DJ Wills and Rob Tollan had an excellent impact on the scrummage in the second half, whilst Rob Blackborrow led the tackle count.

Ben Searle moved the ball well from the breakdown whilst Nauris Berzins, Benbobson Fondu and Jamie Smith looked good in attack.

Man of the Match this week was flip of a coin stuff with Kieran Shelley and Jake Hobden having outstanding performances at the breakdown and effecting numerous turnovers and penalty decisions.

Jake Hobden gets the nod..... just.

Next week we are at home v Old Reds in another 3rd v 4th encounter.