In front of a decent sized crowd, both sides played expansive and entertaining rugby with a lot of big ball carries and heavy hits going in. The game was fiercely contested, but played in excellent spirit.

The United were first to score through the boot of George Chapman - converting a penalty after Hornets had infringed at a breakdown. Weston then lost centre Kirk Middlemiss on about 20 minutes to a suspected broken or popped rib. The game continued at great pace, with both sides showing promise and endeavour, but both sides defences cancelling each other out.

The deadlock was finally broken with the rare sight of Jake Whatley crossing the whitewash! Playing out of position at tighthead, he put in a man of the match performance. After a series of phases with the United pushing hard at the Hornets line, Jake took a short crash ball from scrum half Ross Bennett to barrel his way over. George Chapman adding the extras.

The next score came straight from the kick off. Hornets had lost their wing to the bin for a late tackle on Bennett, and it was great thinking by him and Troy Hannam to exploit the gap. Callum Kingscott, who had a solid game, took the kick off, and the ball was recycled straight down the vacant blind side by Bennett to Hannam.

He was supported inside by Sam Webb-Wood, making his United debut, and having a great game. Webb-Wood then drew the last defender to release Bennett to outstrip the covering defence. An early candidate for try of the season for the United, but one that was appreciated by all present (even some of the Hornets…!). Chapman missed the conversion. 15-0 at half time and all was going to plan.

However, clearly the Hornets half time chat sparked them into action. Strong ball carries by their number 8 and hooker continually pushed the United onto the back foot, as well mazy runs by the scrum half and ex Weston player James Letherby at fly half.

Hornets pressure eventually told and they scored wide out… slightly dubious final pass, which I’m sure JR’s camera might have picked up!! But it was a deserved try for the pressure exerted. Conversion missed.

Hornets tails were now up and continued the onslaught of the Weston line. A second unconverted try was scored to leave it at 15-10, and set up a rather nail-biting last 20 minutes. Fortunately, Weston were sparked back into action and began putting phases together.

Chapman and Marcus Nel in the centres linking well with the back 3 of Godfrey, Hannam and Caton. Weston drove the Hornets back with some well-worked phase play, to then release the ball wide and utilise an overlap for Caton to outpace the defence and score wide out. Conversion missed, and pressure relieved slightly!!

The last 15 minutes of defence was as it has been for the whole season… very committed and everyone making their hits. The back row of Hudson, Kirk and newly introduced Steele worked tirelessly alongside Chesher and Kingscott.

Ramaz carried hard all game and relished playing against his former club. Captain Bird was his usual gritty self and rallied the troops well.

Bennett eventually succumbed to the beatings he’s received all afternoon and clearly 2-3 weeks off on holiday doesn’t help with match fitness in the legs! Moley came on to replace him… but not at scrum half fortunately! A bit of a reshuffle and Steeley found himself in the centre / wing area. Life in the old dog yet aye mate!

The final score with 6 minutes to play went to Hornets with an easy penalty from in front. Final score 20-13, and a very keenly contested affair with a lot of rather weary bodies wandering off.

Strong performances from Ramaz Rukhadze, Sam Webb-Wood and George Chapman, were part of a great team effort to ensure the hunt for top spot in the league remains. Next week the United visit Winscombe, who are having a fantastic season.

The winners could well go on to be the eventual league winner, should form remain. Training is essential this week lads.

Weston United scorers - tries: J Whatley, R Bennett, O Caton; con: G Chapman; pen: G Chapman