Sat 9 Apr 2022
Tribute South West Premier
Weston-super-Mare 20 Hornets 18
Huw Morgan on his way to scoring Weston's second try
Report by Chris Heath
In front of a very large and vociferous crowd, Weston emerged victorious in this titanic battle of the Tribute South West Premier's third and fourth-placed teams.
Hornets started the game well, and we're soon in front through a Charlie Carter penalty.
Weston opened the try-scoring in the fourth minute when they span the ball from left to right and back again, retaining possession superbly before an excellently timed miss pass by fly-half James Mackay put full-back Jack Curtis through a gap to go over.
Hornets rallied, and only a tremendous tackle by Curtis prevented the visitors from retaking the lead. Weston then had a couple of half-chances to increase their lead before a strong scrum led to a penalty.
Weston elected to scrum again, and it turned out to be an excellent decision as half-backs Dan Lomax and Mackay combined for centre Dylan Power to put right-wing Huw Morgan over in the corner.
The visitors then battered the home line, but the defence held and right on the stroke of half-time Hornets were reduced to thirteen men after a Weston surge, but the hosts didn't take advantage and were deemed to have been held up over the line in the final act.
The second half began with more Weston pressure, and following some fine play, including two barracking runs by lock Ashley Russell a pinpoint chip by Mackay allowed prolific left-wing Joe Burgess to cross.
Mackay finally slotted a conversion to put Weston fourteen points clear. The game was far from over, and the Hornets then had a purple patch in which they scored three tries through the excellent Carter along with James and Dempsey to make the Hornets a point clear.
None of these was converted, and this proved, in the end, to be costly as Mackay, who had missed with an attempt from about the same distance five minutes before, held his nerve to slot the winning points.
The game was a credit to both teams on a day when the town's great and good were present.
For Weston the hardworking pack toiled all day, and they all put a shift in.
The backs superbly marshalled by Mackay looked dangerous for long periods, with Curtis and Morgan especially catching the eye. Hornets were dangerous too, with Carter always likely to cause havoc.
The two teams now have to meet again on Good Friday at the Nest in the Somerset Cup semi-final kick-off 2 pm. If it's anything like the eighty minutes produced in this game, it should be well worth watching.
Weston-super-Mare scorers – tries: Jack Curtis, Huw Morgan, Joe Burgess; con: James Mackay; pen: James Mackay
Hornets scorers – tries: Charlie Carter, Rob Dempsey (2); pen: Charlie Carter.
Referee: Oli Carey (South West Group)
