Tribute Somerset 2 North

Bath Old Edwardians 23 Weston Athletic 14

Weston travelled to top of the table Bath Old Edwardians this week and for the first time fielded a starting XV made up entirely of U23 players.

The gap in the fixtures combined with this being a re-arranged fixture meant that Weston travelled with great support and with perfect weather conditions the stage was set for a really entertaining game of rugby.

Things were very tight for the opening 20 minutes as both sides battled for supremacy.

Weston looked very threatening out wide, whilst Edwardian's had got on top at the set piece and most importantly at the breakdown, and this was to prove decisive as the game panned out.

E's scored first following some excellent work by their pack beofre Weston quickly levelled when fly half Dan Lomax chipped over the on rushing E's defence and Robbie Mackay was able to win the footrace and touch down ahead of the cover defence. Lomax converted and Weston led 5-7.

But this would be short lived with the home side reacting well to put pressure on the Weston pack before scoring close in. Conversion added 12-7.

Weston had a quick opportunity to respond with a Lomax penalty attempt just going wide, but the visitors would have the final say in the first half when they worked the ball wide to full back Troy Hannam who was able to beat his man and run in for Weston's second. Conversion added 12-14 at the break.

Second half and Edwardian's came out of the blocks the stronger and quickly gained good field position.

They scored their 3rd try 7 minutes in to take a 17-14 lead and from here on in they took charge.

With Weston being turned over at the breakdown, the backline had little first up possession.

When they did the service was a little slow, the midfield held on too long or possession was kicked away.

E's added further through 2 penalties on 63 and 70 minutes the second of which Weston will rue this as it had to be retaken as players moved and ultimately cost us a bonus point.

This was a really good game of rugby, but Weston will know they let a chance slip today.

E's were excellent at the breakdown and regularly turned over possession, whilst Weston were a little slow in realising how we should have changed our game plan.

However, the commitment shown by a pack made up of mostly last years Colts was excellent, and we will have learnt a lot from this game.

It was clear to see why Old Edwardians have gone a year unbeaten and we will look forward to the return fixture in January. Very good carries in the lose today from Sol Ward, Jake Grimes and Rob Tollan in the pack, whilst Robbie Mackay stood out in the backline.

No question who man of the match was. Sam Webb-Wood was outstanding all over the park, tackled his heart out and led from the front. More please!

Next week we travel to Oldfield who are perched just above us in the league.