Tribute Somerset 2 North

Gordano 2ndXV 14 Weston Athletic 69

Weston travelled to Gordano this week looking to bounce back from the disappointment of last week, and they certainly did running in 11 tries against a really spirited Gordano side.

On a heavy pitch Weston were looking to get the basics right and they started well. With good carry, Weston were able to get front foot ball and they began to use it well.

On 6 minutes, Stefan Thomson scored the first of his 3 tries when he showed some excellent footwork to nip through and score under the sticks. Dan Prime converted, 0-7.

From the kick off, Weston were guilty of trying to play rugby in the wrong areas when they tried to run out of their own 22 only to be halted by lots of errors, which kept Gordano in a strong position.

They kept Weston penned in for the next 10 minutes and levelled the score with a push over try, which was converted on 16 minutes, 7-7.

Weston went back on the attack from the restart and a series of good carries created space on the outside where Stefan Thomson was able to put Benbobson Fondu away for a well worked try. 7-12.

The visitors were now on top and Jake Grimes was next to score when he crashed over on 27 minutes. Conversion added, 7-19.

Weston were able to stay on top and they scored their bonus point try when Stefan Thomson showed some more great footwork and strength to break through and score under the posts. Conversion added, 7-26.

Weston were then guilty of again creating their own pressure when they allowed Gordano back inside their 22.

Once again the hosts took full advantage and they scored a second push over try on the stroke of half time. Conversion added and at half time Weston were up 14-26.

The Seasiders outstanding player of the first half was Sol Ward, who had volunteered to play for Gordano when they couldn't field a front row. His dynamic running was excellent and Weston were looking to tighten things up for the second half.

No tries to be conceded and 4 more tries were set as goals and Weston went about achieving them straight away.

Two minutes in and Stefan Thomson completed his hat trick when he cut a great line following some great phases to put Weston 14-31 up.

Darren doughty was next to score after 48 minutes, breaking a few tackles to cross for a converted try, before Weston scored a beauty.

Ball moved inside, outside then back inside again, where Benjamin Searle was on hand to take the final pass and dive over.

Sol Ward then swapped shirts for the last 20, and had an immediate impact for the visitors when he carried fantastically to break half a dozen tackles and cross for the most deserved try of the day.

Dan Prime continued an impressive day with the boot to convert and put Weston up to 50 points.

Darren Doughty then produced a bit a magic when he collected the ball out wide, drew in three defenders before popping the ball out the back for Benbobson Fondu to collect and trot in for his second of the day. Conversion added, 14-57.

With 5 minutes to go, Weston were not letting up and a bit of history was about to be made.

Mark Walker made an excellent break on half way and raced clear. With glory in sight, he hit quicksand and was dragged down centimetres short.

The Weston support was good and from the ruck Chris Kenneth was able to pick up and cross in the corner for his first try.............EVER!

There was time for one more which saw Weston using the ball really well to make ground and see Jake Grimes cross for his second of the day.

Dan Prime finished things off by converting to see Weston home 14-69.

Gordano deserve a huge amount of credit for sticking to their task and continually trying to play rugby in difficult conditions. They all showed a huge amount of character.

For Weston, the second half was probably our best performance of the season so far. We consistently got over the gain line, secured breakdown ball and kept shape very well.

Ed Hunt, Darren Doughty and David Steel added some experience in the pack and they kept us going forward.

Sol Ward made some fantastic carries for both sides, DJ Wills had a great second half impact and Rob Tollan worked really well at the set piece.

No doubting man of the match though, Stefan Thomson was excellent, showing some great footwork, strength in contact and solid distribution. Top performance mate!!

Next week we are at home to Walcot, in what will be a really strong test. All to training Tuesday please.