Tribute Somerset Premier

Hornets 2ndXV 26 Weston United 49

Weston United travelled to Hutton Moor on Friday night to face Hornets in the first of two huge games for the clubs.

In a game where the start would be all important, it was the hosts who took the early advantage when Weston popped up the ball from a quick penalty only to see it intercepted for Hornets to run in inside the first minute. Conversion added 7-0.

Weston came back strongly and set up camp in the Hornets half and on 12 minutes George Chapman crossed in the corner and then converted his own try from the touchline to level the scores at 7-7.

Weston were on top now and 5 minutes later they took the lead when Paul Morrissey crossed. Chapman converted 7-14.

They then stretched further away five minutes later when Matt Burns made a lovely break and when he was caught, Chris Young was on hand to take the offload and score. Chapman on target once again and Weston up 7-21.

Hornets then came back strongly and had a good period of pressure on the Weston line. Some good defence kept the hosts out and when Hornets moved it wide, it was spilt and Weston were away.

Ball shipped to skipper ross Bennett and he out paced the defence to go in from 60 meters. Chapman converted again and Weston had a bonus point and a 7-28 lead.

Hornets were up against it now and then on the stroke of half time, things got worse for them when they were yellow carded and down to 14 men.

On the plus side, it did prevent Weston from scoring a fifth when the ref bought the visitors back for the penalty despite having broken away during the infringement.

Second half and Weston looking to take the game away and they were helped further with another yellow card 4 minutes in.

From the penalty Weston crossed through Ollie Trott, Chapman converted, Weston ahead 7-35.

Four minutes later and Weston at it again when the ball was kicked on and Paul Morrissey gave chase.

As the cover came across, he slid in for the ball and when it popped free just short of the line, Kyran Marshall showed the importance of support when he picked up the loose ball and dotted down.

Chapman made it 6 from 6 and Weston were up 7-42. with still 30minutes to go.

However, momentum then swung back in favour of Hornets. Weston picked up a dopey yellow carded when prop Ramaz Rukhadze swung a punch and off he went.

Hornets took advantage and they scored their second try of the evening and they began to turn pressure into points.

A minute later and Jack Woodland was carded at the breakdown (ridiculous) and suddenly Weston were down to 13.

Despite that they went back on the attack and George Chapman picked up his second of the evening, which he converted to take his tally to 24 of Weston's 49 points.

But Hornets weren't done and annoyingly for the Weston side they continued to come back.

They scored a good third try on 68 minutes which was converted, and then at the death, they gained an unlikely bonus point with a try close in. Conversion good and a final score of 26-49.

This was a strong performance by Weston, who'll feel disappointed that they allowed the home side to pick up a bonus point, but happy with the rugby they played in the first half.

Some good performances in the pack from Rich Ford who tackled superbly and Sam Fisher who finally managed to get a game at 6.

In the backs George Chapman had an excellent evening with Matt Burns and Chris Young always carrying a threat in attack.

Man of the Match was Mike Bennet, who continues to impress with an outstanding work rate and focus. Top man.

Next week Weston host top of the table Gordano in another big test.

Weston United scorers - tries: George Chapman (2), Paul Morrissey, Chris Young, Ross Bennett, Ollie Trott, Kyran Marshall; cons: George Chapman (7); yellow cards: Ramaz Rukhadze (56 min), Jack Woodland (59 min)