Weston-super-Mare produced an improved performance in their draw with Exmouth but were left wondering what might have been after letting a lead slip. The first quarter was very tight, with both sides unable to take opportunities to score as defences held firm.

Twice the Cockles were denied ‘scores’, first when Mark Wathes cut his way to the try line only for the match official to adjudge that there had been a knock-on over the line! The other ‘score’ to be disallowed was one by Ross Morshead.

The deadlock was broken on 21 minutes when Weston’s James Mackay slotted a penalty which proved to be the only score of the half as fine tackling and rear-guard defiance dominated.

Four minutes into the second half the home side scored the game’s first try when some slick passing allowed centre Marcus Nell cross for a try. Weston were quickly back on the attack a moved the ball left for wing Matt Watkins to score the second try.

Despite the score line, the Cockles were very much ‘in the game’ although if that had a problem, it was they were a little disjointed in their approach to finding field position to launch an attack of any real threat.

Breaks did come, but they were snuffed out by tight defence from the hosts. The Cockles finally got on the scoreboard 12 minutes into the second half when fly-half George Meadows put away a penalty.

With a 13-3 lead, Weston missed the chance to extend their lead when Mackay put a penalty wide of the uprights and, with 25 minutes remaining Exmouth finally got some reward for their efforts.

Flanker James Harris came up from the bottom of a catch and drive, a penalty was drilled deep into Weston territory where a catch and drive from the line-out took the ball some 20 metres Harris took the ball over the line.

What was clear was that the Cockles had found a formula that worked! Five minutes after the Harris try, prop Charlie Tribble went over for a try that levelled things up at 13-all. From this point, it seemed as if the Cockles would go on and seal a rare away success.

They did all they could but eventually were left frustrated. Working to get a decisive try, the referee felt Exmouth infringed and awarded a penalty that all but finished the game. Tom Whelan did get a penalty attempt from halfway, on a blustery day.

Right direction, unfortunately, the kick just dropped short. A little indecision from Weston meant the game rolled on for another four minutes, but eventually, they kicked the ball away to touch, ending the match.

Travelling supporters might say that a draw was a little disappointing. On a day when Weston missed 13 points from kicks, the result could have been lost. Exmouth did get their opportunities and that may have swung the game in their favour.

Weston-super-Mare: Robbie Mackay; Huw Morgan, Cameron Maslen, Marcus Nel, Matt Watkins; James Mackay, Ross Bennett; Charlie Brabham, Mike Hocking, Sam Coles, Tom Sugg, Mark Turton, Rich Bignell, Riley McDowall, Brad Talbot. Reps: Thomas Hocking, Dan Press, Daniel Denning.

Weston-super-Mare scorers – tries: Matt Watkins, Marcus Nel; pen; James Mackay; yellow card: Riley McDowall (61 min).

Exmouth: Sam Whitehead; Jack Downie, Nick Headley, Mark Wathes, Henry Goldson; George Meadows, Lloyd Watkins; George Savage, Will Ridout, Charlie Tribble, Sam Richardson, Mike Richards, Ross Morshead, James Harris, Ben Hawley. Reps: Shane Cooper, Dan Armstrong, Tom Whelan.

Exmouth scorers – tries: James Harris, Charlie Tribble; pen: George Meadows

Match photos HERE