Tribute Somerset 2 North

Weston Athletic 15 Oldfield Old Boys 2ndXV 23

Weston Athletic at home on the main pitch should be enough for any player to rise to the occassion. At the moment it's inspiring the opposition more than us.

Weston had made changes to try and bolster a pack which had been under the cosch in recent weeks bringing in Will Hunt, Ben Craddock and Simon Hudson, but it was another sloppy start that put the home side under pressure.

A knock on from an ambitious attack inside the 22 gave the visitors momentum and after 3 minutes they took the lead from 1 of 3 and a half thousand penalties which the Weston lads would concede. 0-3.

Weston looked to come back but mistakes and penalties compounded things and the hosts found themselves camped inside their own half.

On 14 minutes Oldfield reacted well from ruck ball to cross. Conversion added 0-10 and Weston chasing early on.

From the restart Weston forced an error and now it was the home teams turn to dominate things.

The set piece was clearly on top and this gave us a great platform. From a series of pick and goes Weston crossed through Simon Hudson and were right back in the game. Conversion missed 5-10.

Kieran Pulsford took well from the restart and Weston worked their way back inside Oldfield's half.

More strong running kept Weston going forward but Oldfield worked really well in stripping from the Weston carriers.

On 35 minutes Weston crossed again when Hudson proved too strong for his and Weston's 2nd. Conversion missed 10-10 at half time.

Weston talked a lot about intensity and physicality but it was Oldfield that came out stronger.

On 52 minutes they re took the lead with an unconverted try to lead 10-15 and that's how it remained until the last 10.

Weston were working hard but with shape being a key area of concern Oldfield were able to turnover ball and looked really dangerous on the counter attack.

Weston had a warning on 65 minutes when Oldfield put a 3 on 1 on the floor, but then struck with 7 minutes to go following a great run by their inside centre. Conversion missed 10-20 and the game looking gone.

However Weston's tackling suddenly came to life and following some great pressure Darran Burns picked up and just had enough gas to reach the line.

Poor advice on the pitch led to a rushed drop goal attempt conversion which was missed, but Weston had a sniff with 5 minutes still to go, 15-20.

But from the restart there was a bit of panic and as Weston shovelled on poor ball, Oldfield pressed and were awarded a penalty under the posts. Penalty added 15-23 Final Score.

This was another tough encounter in which Weston showed heart, but let themselves down in key areas which can only be put right on the training paddock.

As we approach the back end of the season the players need to respond.

There are some tough encounters ahead.

Top marks today for Josh Burton, Ben Craddock and Simon Hudson in the pack, Benbobson Fondu carried really well out wide and Darran Burns had a good first outing at 10.

Man of the Match this week was Sol Ward who carried really well and had a dominant performance in the scrum. Big week ahead, see you Tuesday.