Sat 27 Nov 2021
Tribute South West Premier
Exmouth nil Weston-super-Mare 31
After a disappointing display at home to Old Redcliffians last time out, Weston-super-Mare bounced back in emphatic style away to a team just above them in the Tribute South West Premier table.
The visitors gave a debut to Bristol Bears Senior Academy No.8 Macenzzie (sic) Duncan, who had made appearances for Bristol Bears in the Premiership Rugby Cup recently against Exeter Chiefs when he scored a try and Worcester Warriors.
Duncan, 18, has played for South Gloucestershire & Stroud College and Clevedon RFC, is considered a dangerous runner and physical defender who can also play at openside flanker.
The Seasiders have already featured Bristol Bears Senior Academy scrum-half JJ Williams, in several games this season and another of the Premiership club’s players, England U18s centre Dylan Power, has also recently signed dual registration with the club.
“We continue to develop strong links with the Bears Academy, and we are pleased that we can give some of their squad an opportunity to play competitive rugby as well as strengthen our squad,” said Weston’s director of rugby George Sparks.
“Scrum-half JJ Williams has already made several appearances for us in recent weeks but, unfortunately, he is injured at present. His presence has certainly helped develop Jack Press, who was at scrum-half on Saturday.”
Weston took the lead in the tenth minute, when playing against the elements, as they broke out of their half and ended with Exmouth, who were looking to return to winning ways after their defeat by Exeter University, conceding a line out.
A catch and drive led to centre Cameron Maslen running a fine line before releasing outstanding flanker Jack Woodland who crossed near the posts. Fly-half James Mackay adding the extras.
Exmouth hit back, and only stout defence kept them at bay when the ball was held up over the line. Live wire full-back Jack Curtis was in the thick of the action, retrieving and running back various kicks, including one astonishing take in the windy conditions.
Weston worked very hard off the ball with props Sam Coles and Oliver Streeter, particularly catching the eye with their work rate. This willingness to work bore fruit on the half-hour.
Severe Weston pressure led to Exmouth receiving a yellow card following a series of scrums, eventually leading to debutant Duncan crossing for a well-deserved score. Mackay kicked the conversion to put Weston fourteen points to the good at half time.
The first incident of any note in the second period was Streeter receiving a yellow in a case of mistaken identity, but this didn’t seem to upset Weston’s confidence.
The line out superbly marshalled by lock Ashley Russell combined with skipper Tom Suggs handling and hooker Gary Carpenters throwing in worked all afternoon superbly, providing the impetus for more pressure.
Ten minutes into the second period Mackay went blind from another dominant scrum and fed Curtis, who broke a couple of tackles to go under the sticks for a fine reward for his afternoon’s work. Mackay again converted and added a further three points shortly after.
Weston were in control, and when Duncan made a break and sent right-wing Ollie Walrond away, the recycled ball ended with Carpenter crashing over for the bonus point try. Still, it left Mackay with his most challenging conversion of the afternoon.
But the fly-half produced a superb effort to keep his one hundred per cent record. That was the end of the scoring, but near the end, young back Dominic Marshall came on for his debut in the first team and did well.
A very satisfying game for Weston, and the confidence this performance gives should be a springboard for future fixtures starting with Saturday’s home game against league newcomers Royal Wootton Bassett, kick-off 2.30 pm.
Weston-super-mare scorers - tries: Jack Woodland, Macenzzie Duncan, Jack Curtis, Gary Carpenter; cons: James Mackay (4); pen: James Mackay
