Tribute South West Premier

Ivybridge 27 Weston-super-Mare 48

Fly-half James Mackay became Weston-super-Mare’s 1stXV's all-time leading points scorer during their Tribute South West Premier bonus point victory away to Ivybridge to see the Seasiders move into fourth place in the table.

The previous record of 1844 was held jointly with Robbie Hazzard scored in his 362 appearances for Weston between the 1968/69 and 1984/85 seasons thanks to 79 tries, 269 conversions, 313 penalties and 23 drop goals.

Mackay’s first conversion at Cross-In-Hand set the new record in his 198th first-team appearance with his 18 points in the game, including his first try of the season, which takes him to 1862 points.

Bristol-born Mackay joined the Seasiders from Winscombe RFC at the start of the 2008/9 season, making his debut in the home match against Clifton when he kicked three penalties and a conversion.

"I was concentrating on Weston winning this game rather than thinking about breaking Robbie's record, and the boys did a tremendous job, just as they have all season, in allowing me to reach this milestone," said Mackay.

"I was obviously disappointed that I didn't achieve it last week against Hornets with the last kick of the game – which would have earned us a draw – but we put things right in this game against Ivybridge.

"Becoming the Club's leading points scorer is a massive privilege for me, but, as I have said before, it is the rest of the team that score the tries or create opportunities that enable me to reach this landmark.

"As a squad, we still have a few things that we need to iron out, but we have some great players like scrum-half Jack Press and inside centre Dylan Power who make my game a lot easier. We have worked really well together – and long may it continue."

James Mackay

Weston bounced back from their derby defeat against Hornets with a tremendous display of fifteen man rugby scoring seven tries. In windy conditions the game began pretty evenly but Weston eventually opened the scoring in the seventeenth minute when following a superb break by centre Cameron Maslen Weston gained momentum and following a bewildering amount of hands the ball found its way to right wing Chris Young who crossed in the corner.

Mackay unbelievably in the conditions converted from wide out. Weston then added to their points when excellent full debutant Dylan Power cut loose to put full back Jack Curtis over for another score converted by Mackay. They increased their lead a couple of minutes later when flanker Jack Woodland was on hand to sprint away after great work by scrum half Jack Press and tight head prop Ollie Streeter. Mackay failed with the conversion attempt but made amends shortly after by adding a penalty to his tally.

Ivybridge then hit back in style with two quick fire tries one of which was converted to cut the lead to ten points but the visitors had the final say of an exciting first forty minutes when number eight Ben Tothill was on hand to dab down from a pushover. Mackay again adding the extras.

The second period was no less exciting with Streeter going on a rampaging run soon after the restart but Weston were kept at bay until the fifteenth minute of the half when following another Maslen bosh replacement wing Ollie Walrond was put away by an exquisite long pass by Mackay who followed up with an extraordinary conversion. Another fantastic try soon arrived when a Streeter offload was taken on by impressive hooker Josh Mynett who put Mackay away on a run to the line.

An Ivybridge catch and drive cut the lead but Weston restored their healthy lead when Press was on hand to benefit from Powers chip and gather.
Weston then had hard working flanker Jacob Cox yellow carded for a high tackle and this loss coupled with the energy sapping play allowed the hosts to score two late consolation tries to gain a losing bonus point.

Weston’s set piece at scrum and line out was of the highest order all game with the line out especially catching the eye considering the conditions. All eighteen players can be very proud of their efforts with Power looking an excellent capture on his full debut.

Dylan Power

Weston 1stXV will start 2022 with back-to-back home games against Brixham (January 8), Okehampton (January 15) and Camborne (January 22), all kick-off at 2.30 pm, before a trip to Launceston (January 29).

Ivybridge scorers – tries: Tom Scoles (2), Archie Bryan, Marcus Prout, Charlie Briant; con: Matt Grieveson.

Weston-super-Mare scorers – tries: Chris Young, Jack Woodland (2), Dylan Power, Ben Tothill, James Mackay, Jack Press; cons: James Mackay (5); pen: James Mackay; yellow card: Jacob Cox (76 min).

Referee: Ollie Parsons (South West Group)