Tribute Somerset Premier

Weston United 31 Wiveliscombe 31

Weston hosted top of the table Wiveliscombe in what turned out to be a 10 try thriller at The Rec. Things didn't look good at the start of the day as prop Ed Hunt strained his hairless calf in the warm up and so Weston were down to 17 yet again.

Hunger and a positive attitude high on the agenda this week and the game started really well. Both sides playing competitive rugby and swapping early opportunities.

Things really tight for the opening 20 until Wivvy took us back to 1989 with a shield penalty move close in. Really well worked for the try, and whilst Weston scratched their heads and asked if that was still legal (maybe someone could help us out), Wivvy converted for a 0-7 lead.

Weston responding and applying good pressure and when full back Ross Bennett made a lovely break following some good hands Weston looked like they'd level the scores. Pass to floor stopping us and Wivvy back on the attack themselves.

Scrum on the half way, Wivvy's 12 went blind and so did the Weston defence as no one seemed to see him run through completely unchallenged. Cheeky little arm up in the air salute that he's seen on telly as he crossed and while Weston began head scratching again, Wivvy converted to lead 0-14.

Weston back on the attack, this time Billy Kirk making a midfield break, tackled, popped up, intercepted by Wivvy who ran in for a 3rd try. everyone was now head scratching as to how the lead had got so big in an even half and while we were doing that Wivvy converted again and now lead 0-21.

Something needed with half time approaching and the first demonstration of Weston's never die attitude as back they came. Pick and go working well close in, Mike Bennet felled just short and the impressive Mike Hocking on hand to score.

No head scratching, just the conversion from Archie Tilsley who was making his first United home appearance, and at the break Weston had a life line at 7-21.

Second half, Weston buoyed by that score and really looking to get back in the game. 6 minutes in and Bryan Webb took the ball following some good hands out wide, to cross for Weston's second. Conversion missed, 12-21.

Weston on top now and playing really well. Attacking with some strong running and good ball retention. Harry Jones next to cross for a deserved try, conversion missed but Weston right back in it at 17-21.

However, Wivvy are not top of the league by accident and back they came. Try scored following a very strong catch and drive to increase their advantage 17-26, and Weston under real pressure.

Great tackling and solid defence repelling the visitors, but then double nightmare. Firstly complete shock and surprise, no that's a lie, completely expected and unsurprising, Bryan Webb lying on the wrong side, yellow card.

Thirty seconds later yellow card number two as Mike Hocking was judged to not be giving up the ball quickly enough following a penalty decision.

Head scratching back amongst everyone and whilst Wivvy whooped and patted Hocking on the head (I'm sure that's been removed from the game also) Weston were looking down the barrel.

Cue more whoops as Wivvy scored for a really good fifth try and that looked like it would be it for Weston trailing 17-31 with ten minutes to go.

However, the lads had other ideas and back they came. From the kick off Paul Sprague leapt like an elderly salmon to tap possession back to Weston and off they went. Carrying well and working the ball inside Wivvy's 22 it was Ben Cox who took a short pop and strolled over to keep hope alive. Tilsley converted 24-31.

Kick off receipt good and away we go again. Good work from the pack and Harry Jones attacking on the outside. A really good cover tackle from Wivvy's winger, but Weston support equally good.

Ball popped inside and Billy Kirk on hand to make up for his earlier error (his words not mine) and score under the sticks. Tilsley converted, 31-31 and still five minutes to go.

Would Weston go on for the win, not if Wivvy had their way they wouldn't.

Back came the visitors and Weston were under real pressure. One minute to go and a lineout on the 5 with Weston on the ropes. If ever they needed a turnover it was now, and that's exactly what they got, stealing a front ball throw. Ball turned over and a series of carries taking Weston clear.

One more chance for the home side now with a lineout on the half way line, but fractionally not straight as the backline watched the ball sail over their heads.

Final whistle and a 31-31 draw. Wivvy will feel that with the leads they had they should've won.

Weston will feel that if a few opportunities had stuck they could've won. Both sides deserve lots of credit for a fantastic game and will be looking forward to the return fixture in March.

Lots of well dones this week, with everyone putting a shift in. Rich Ford, Jacob Cox and Billy Kirk were excellent in the pack and Ben Cox had a real impact from the bench.

Harry Jones carried really well and Ross Bennett and Archie Tilsley stood out in the backs.

Man of the Match was Ollie Trott whose tackling, distribution and determination were outstanding.

Weston United scorers - tries: Mike Hocking, Bryan Webb, Harry Jones, Ben Cox, Billy Kirk; cons: Archie Tilsley (3); yellow cards: Bryan Webb (67 miin), Mike Hocking (68 min)