Tribute Somerset Premier

Bridgwater & Albion 2ndXV 12 Weston United 34

Weston travelled to Bridgwater on Saturday for a well contested local derby running out winners.

Preparations going well with Sam Light, allegedly the owner of 6 pairs of boots, deciding to leave all of them in Weston-super-Mare and rocking up to play barefoot in the row. Hynes to the rescue and with lighty accepting a loan deal at £5 per boot, Weston got underway.

Improved focus from previous weeks and the visitor’s didn’t leak early scores. 14 minutes in and first points on the board with debutant 17 year old Archie Tilsley cooly slotting a penalty.

Weston now had a bit of confidence to build on and on 20 minutes Bryan “I’ll be In The Bin Again” Webb took an offload after some good Weston pressure to score close in. Tilsley converted for a 0-10 lead.

From the kick off Weston were off again moving the ball wide. A great pick up from Tilsley and pass out the back from make shift centre Sam Fisher put Troy Hannam away, and with cover flying across he picked the good support line of Mike McCarthy to pop inside and see the Weston winger dot down for try number two.

Tilsley was on target again 0-17. Weston very much on top now and looking dangerous with the hosts struggling to get out of their half. Callum Kingscott next on the scoresheet following good work by the pack and with Tilsley adding the conversion, Weston were comfortable leading 0-24 at the break.

Second half and Weston seemingly a little too comfortable as a revitalised Bridgwater came charging at them. Try to the hosts 6 minutes in and a conversion cutting the lead to 17 points.

Weston were second best now particularly at the breakdown where the home side dominated the second half, but still looking like they could score if only they’d wake up.

Penalty count also mounting up and when Webb kept up his ridiculous run of yellow cards for lifting legs in a maul, Weston were down to 14.

Defence being tested but holding out and then the alarm clock went off and Billy Kirk took a beautiful off load from hooker Mike Hocking to score and seal the game.

Time for the sides to share a final try each, with Bridgy scoring from a catch and drive close in and Ramaz Rukhadze crashing over under the sticks with final word and the final play.

A very good first half from Weston but an indifferent second. Focus and intensity must improve for the challenges ahead.

The United have a two week break now with no fixture next week and cup the following, so THAT is the time to go and watch cricket or chill with some friends.No names mentioned.

Good performances this week from Mike Hocking and Billy Kirk in the pack, whilst PJ Grimes and Archie Tilsley both had great debuts at half back. Well done lads.

Man of the Match this week was Paul Sprague who made several really important turnovers and was a real threat going forward. Top bloke.

Weston United scorers - tries: Bryan Webb, Mike McCarthy, Callum Kingscott, Billy Kirk, Ramaz Rukhadze; cons: Archie Tilsley (3); pens: Archie Tilsley(2)