Sat 18 Jan 2020
WESTON SUPER MARE 24 EXETER UNIVERSITY 17
report by Chris Heath
Weston again produced a spirited display to gain a hard fought victory over the impressive Devon students who selected a strong side to try and take the hosts unbeaten home record.
Weston started well and when full back Alex Howman cut a great line and followed up with a kick through he just failed to gather and the chance was gone.
Weston rued this missed chance as the dangerous Uni backs broke through midfield and Weston infringed. A quick tap was taken and the ball spun wide to fullback Charlie Davies who crossed unopposed.
Fly half Carl Morgan converted and this is how the score remained until near half time when following number eight Brad Talbots return from a ten minute break which resulted in a great fourteen man defensive effort Weston produced a great drive from a line out to force a penalty which scrum half Ross Bennett took advantage of by tapping quickly and going over. Fly half Dan Lomax converted to make the scores level at the break.
The second period started badly for the hosts with Bennett leaving the fray with a rib injury and Lomax for the second week running having to relocate with Captain Marcus Nel once again moving to ten.
Exeter had their chances in this period but stout defence by Weston notably by evergreen lock Ash Russell and his second row partner Tom Sugg who had played his sixty fifth game for the firsts the week before kept them at bay.
Eventually Weston took advantage of a missed kick to touch when Howman gathered the high ball in front of the stand and after a recycle Lomax produced a deft grubba to put the full back over. Lomax expertly converted from the touch line.
The students weren’t finished though and following a catch and drive it was Davies again who was on hand to cut Weston’s lead to five points.
It was getting nervy but after Talbot was held up a sweeping back move resulted in replacement Kyran Devitt providing the pass for impressive wing Sam Rees, his first for the club. Lomax was again impeccable from wide out with the conversion.
Exeter scored a late try through Morgan but it was Weston who took the spoils in this tense but entertaining encounter.
Another great result for Weston with all eighteen players playing an important role in keeping the momentum going in their push towards a possible top two spot.
Weston have a massive game at home to top of the table Barnstaple in a promotion battle this Saturday with a 2.30 kick off.
