Tribute Somerset Premier

Nailsea & Backwell 17  Weston United 19

Weston United travelled to Nailsea & Backwell for their annual mountaineering weekend on the slopes of West End Park.

With the gloom threatening to turn into downpour at any minute, winning the toss could prove to be key, but both sides defied the conditions and the expectations of the coaches by playing far better going uphill.

Weston welcomed back the globe trotting George Chapman at 12 and Tom Sugg who was named on the bench.

Game underway and Weston going up the slope in the first half. Expected early pressure applied by N&B which Weston saw out and then set up camp in the Nailsea half.

Ball worked well to Matt Watkins on the wing and he sped away for his and Weston's opening score. Conversion missed, but three minutes later a carbon copy try with Watkins once again having too much pace for the covering defence. 2 tries for Watkins, 2 for Weston 0-10.

N&B came back strongly and were unlucky not to pull one back after their outside half made a clean break only for his hamstring to go 'twang' 5 meters short and Weston looked to see out the half.

Then momentum swing time as the visitors had a memory lapse and forgot the new laws. Penalty kicked directly into touch meaning the lineout would have to be played.

Weston then penalised for something nobody quite understood at the set piece and penalty to the hosts.

Kicked to touch, meaning the lineout would have to be played (teaching point reinforced George!) and from the set piece the ball was popped back to Nailsea's hooker who flopped over the line to half Weston's lead.

Second half, Weston going downhill and looking to play with territory. Good start as early pressure resulted in a Chapman penalty. From the restart Weston back on the attack and after five minutes another Chapman penalty saw the lead extended to 5-16.

Time for the hosts to come back and that's exactly what Weston got as Nailsea came charging up the hill.

A series of rumbling carries leading to a well worked try which was converted and the gap closed to 12-16.

Weston responded well, earning another penalty which was converted and then they looked to wrap things up.

However, N&B were having none of it and Weston found themselves under pressure for the final 15 minutes.

Sixty-five minutes and Bryan Webb was yellow carded .............. whoops, sorry force of habit ............ Paul Morrissey was yellow carded for some off the ball shenanigans and Nailsea were on the front foot.

A series of scrums close in resulting in another score for the hosts and the score read 17-19. Conversion to tie it up, but it was hooked wide and Weston kept their noses in front.

Things a little nervy from the restart but Weston applied themselves really well to stop another visit into their half. A few niggles added to the drama, but Weston stood strong to see out the victory and take the points.

A day where result prevailed over performance and lots of things for Weston to work on.

Some good showings today, not least from Tom Sugg and Ben Cox with Sam Light having an improved game in the loose. In the backs Matt Watkins stood out, supported well by skipper Ross Bennett.

Man of the Match was Mike Bennet who continues to display an excellent attitude and hunger, typified by his kick chase and tap tackle that led to a Weston penalty and ultimately proved to be the difference.

Weston United have a break next week and an opportunity for the injury list to recover. We return to action when St Bernadettes visit the Rec on Nov 25th.

Weston United scorers - tries: Matt Watkins (2); pens: George Chapman (3); yellow card: Paul Morrissey (65 min)