Tribute Somerset Premier

Weston United 52  St Bernadettes Old Boys 5

Weston United were in dominant mood this running in eight tries to beat St Bernadettes.

With the usual selection merry-go-round in full swing, Weston found themselves depleted with an early morning cry off and a paperwork faff meaning flanker Sam Fisher would start in the centre and Hayden Tuttiett would come onto the bench as an emergency option.

Off we go, with Weston looking to react to recent below par performances. Five minutes in and Weston tested the set piece scrum in an area that would prove to give the hosts dominance all day.

From an initial drive and reset, Weston shunted Saints backwards and the referee deemed a try would've been scored. Penalty try awarded 7-0.

Weston were keen to keep their energy high and went looking for more. St Bernadettes working hard in defence but struggling to make headway and Weston were camped on the opposition line.

A series of penalties awarded and on 20 minutes Weston took a scrum option to see Paul Morrissey pick up and score from the base. Conversion missed 12-0.

Weston well on top now with makeshift centre Fisher making breaks in midfield the home side were looking good. On 30 minutes Weston extended their lead when Sam Fisher was on hand to take a great offload to score under the posts, Chapman converted and the difference was 19-0.

The scrum was proving pivotal in Weston's dominance and from another great drive Paul Morrissey picked and went from just inside the opponents half.

His weaving run was too much for the defence and he ran in from 40 metres to secure a bonus point before half time. Chapman added the extras and at half time Weston were up 26-0.

Second half, Weston challenged to repeat the first half and things started well. From the kick off Tom Sugg carried well before Weston moved the ball to centre Fisher.

His break gave Weston good ground and they were able to move it to the width impressively. Winger Kyran Marshall then took the ball and set off, breaking a couple of tackles to speed in for Weston's fifth and best try of the day.

St Bernadettes then re-grouped and they came back with their best period of play in the game. Some great carries keeping them going forward, drawing in the Weston defence, before moving the ball wide and scoring a well worked try in the corner, 31-5.

Weston then made their way back into Bernadettes half and any hopes of a momentum swing were extinguished when their No.8 made a dopey challenge on Weston's Ross Bennett and picked up a Webby (yellow card.)

A minute later and Weston had crossed again following some good continuity, seeing the ball moved to Ross Chesher who sold a great dummy and crossed to cap a good afternoon for the 2nd row. Conversion good, 38-5.

Things a little scrappy for a bit now, with Bernadettes a little frustrated.

Fifteen minutes to go and Weston went looking again. Prop Mike Bennet finding himself free on the wing and drawing across the defence before popping inside beautifully to winger Troy Hannam who ran in Weston's seventh.

George Chapman on target, Weston out to 45-5. There would be time for one more Weston try and after a series of carries, Ben Cox took an easy pop to trot in unchallenged.

Not sure about the knee slide to score, but sure he'd deserved his try. Weston winners by 52-5. 

This was a pleasing performance from the group who worked really hard all game and showed what they are capable of.

A good standard set now for the rest of the season and the big challenges we face before Christmas.

Some notable performances from the front row of Mike Bennet, David Bird and Rich Ford. Tom Sugg continues to impress following his return from a long term injury and Ross Chesher showed his potential with a strong 40 minutes.

Sam Fisher and Billy Kirk both put in good performances despite being asked to play in the backline for most of the afternoon and scrum half Ross Bennett, once again, had a fine game.

Man of the Match this week was No8 Paul Morrissey whose direct running kept Weston moving forward and who was dominant at the breakdown, he even managed a 50m touch kick. Excellent performance.

Next up is a visit to Hornets on Friday night.

Weston United scorers - tries: Paul Morrissey (2), Sam Fisher, Kyran Marshall, Ross Chesher, Troy Hannam, B Cox, pen try; cons: George Chapman (5), pen try con