Sat 28 Oct 2017
Stothert & Pitt 34 Weston United 35
Weston travelled to Stothert this week for what turned out to be a nail bitter.
An admin error (although it was given an alternative name on arrival) meant that Weston only travelled with 17 and no backs cover.
With the standard gale blowing down the slope, Weston lost the toss and were given the conditions in the first half.
Not the best start to the day, but a much better start to the game from the United saw them putting on lots of pressure and Stothert struggling to get out of their 22.
Weston scored after 5 minutes through skipper Jack Conway, converted by the on-song George Chapman, and Weston relaxed.
Just what the hosts were looking for and they recovered the ball after some loose play at kick off receipt and launched attacks of their own. Try scored and converted, game level at 7-7.
Weston went back on the front foot from the restart, but an injury to centre Ollie Caton meant the admin error would be emphasised as Ross Chesher (2nd row) made his way onto the wing.
Weston looking to take advantage of territory but Stothert looking dangerous with ball in hand until centre Harry Jones kicked over the top, collected on the bounce and scored a good individual try. Chapman on target, 7-14.
Cue relaxation and another sloppy receipt gave Stothert an immediate penalty response which they converted to make it 10-14. Bit of a wrestling match for the next 5 minutes with Weston looking to stretch the lead. and on 32 minutes a good period of play and ball retention saw Jack Conway put away for his second.
Weston hungry for another and a good kick off receipt this time put Stothert back inside their 22,. Weston moved the ball wide close in, and the benefits of having a 2nd row on the wing were realised as Ross Chesher swatted his opposite number to score in the corner. An excellent conversion from Chapman giving Weston a 10-28 lead at half time.
Second half, Weston going uphill and 'do not let them back in,' the half time message. Inside the final 30 minutes and everything going to plan, with Stothert knocking on the door, but Weston resisting and looking to counter.
Then on 53 minutes a glimmer for the home side. Try scored after some flimsy tackling, converted 17-28. Weston responded really well.
Back on the attack, although how Ramaz Rukhadze's offload was considered forward is still a mystery, and after a series of carries, Callum Kingscott looked to have taken the game away when he scored under the posts. Conversion good, 17-35, 10 minutes to go, all done surely?
Nope......... 70 minutes, try for Stothert, 72 minutes, try and conversion for Stothert, 76 minutes try for Stothert and somehow Weston were facing a conversion for Stothert to take the lead.
Fortunately for us, and desperately unlucky for Stothert (who had shown fantastic character and desire to keep coming back) the kick went wide and Weston managed to hold on to take the points.
Dodged a bullet, bit of head scratching, not sure how, etc, etc, etc, but the reality was Weston's tackling wasn't good enough and the opposition were more hungry than us in the second half.
All said and done though, its a 5 pointer for the United who looked very good in first half patches.
Stand out performance from Callum Kingscott in the pack and a huge well done to Ross Chesher who played for 65 minutes on the wing.
Man of the match this week was Jack Conway who kept the forwards on their toes and led the side really well.
Next we host Wiveliscombe who top the league at the moment. A big challenge and an 80 minute effort will be minimum requirement.
Weston United scorers - Jack Conway (2), Harry Jones, Ross Chesher, Callum Kingscott; cons: George Chapman (5)
