Weston-super-Mare RFC

Weston Colts welcomed their Hornets counterparts to the Rec for a return fixture after the lively season opener back in September which saw Hornets victorious at home.

These fixtures between near-neighbours are always popular whether at senior, colts or junior level, and a large crowd gathered as the teams warmed up.

This season, Weston Colts run hasn’t been great, and although playing some competitive rugby at times, they have only recorded the single win over Yatton.

Hornets Colts have been fairing better, although they took to the field having suffered a narrow two-point defeat at Winscombe last weekend, a result that is proving to be controversial.

It’s fair to say both teams had a lot to prove, with bragging rights until their next encounter the prize.

The teams lined up abreast to observe a minutes silence in front of a hushed crowd for Remembrance before Weston received the kick-off attacking the not so popular end.

Weston retained the ball initially and played in the Hornets half for the first 15 minutes, being rewarded with numerous penalties for offside.

The pressure though didn’t transfer to points, and as the team tired, Hornets were able to break the defence and carry the ball into the Weston half.

Hornets line out in the Weston 22 saw the first score as the ball was well won, and Will Ziggler drove to the line for the try, extras provided by James Disney 0-7.

Although they were met by further pressure, Hornets received the restart and dealt with this well to again attack the home side.

Penalties were being awarded regularly, and it was refreshing that the referee had zero tolerance for foul language directed at him or used with both sides falling foul of their command of the spoken word.

Hornets eventually caught Weston sleeping with a penalty awarded on the Weston 5m line and a simple tap and go from Dion Austin, again saw the visitors across the whitewash and stretch their lead to 0-12.

This may have been a moment for the heads to drop for the Weston team, and many on the sideline were holding their breath in preparation for the flood gates to open.

The players had other ideas and, with a switch around in the backs, saw Alfie Calcutt switch to scrum-half, Hugh Matthews to fly-half and Danny Bamsey came off the bench at outside centre.

Weston’s attack continued to grow with forwards Brett Cross and Dido Smith repeatedly taking the ball into contact.

Omar Alkudsi, returning from a shoulder injury, was also hungry for work and Weston were rewarded when he crossed the line in close quarters. Tom Lewis added the extras to reduce the arrears at half time to 7-12.

Weston had the wind advantage in the second half and started to peg Hornets back into their half, growing in confidence to be rewarded with Tom Lewis crossing the line from the inside centre position to level the scores.

Ill-discipline was the downfall of both teams at times, and although disappointing, the stop-start nature and handbags of their sides first fixture was not repeated with both teams wanting to play.

Weston eventually were rewarded for the pressure with a quick ball from a breakdown on the Hornets 22. Hugh Matthews’ long pass behind hard running decoy Danny Bamsey met the open arms of Brett Robinson.

The full-back charged for the corner flag and dived over for the match-winning try to the joy of the home crowd. Bayley Seviour pulled out an equally impressive kick from the touchline for the extras.

With 10 minutes still on the clock, Weston maintained the pressure setting up a good driving line out inside the Hornets 22, which was defended well.

Hornets rallied and pushed back, but Weston nullified the attack, and the final whistle sounded with the hosts the 19-12 winners.

There were some highlights from both teams who wanted to play rugby. From Weston’s perspective, it was encouraging to see Jude Cresser and Vinnie Jones win lineout ball, although plenty to work on.

Sam Crook put in a big performance for the full game, and Brett Robinson repeatedly took the ball at full back, backed himself in the contact and was well rewarded with his try. Final congratulations to Jacob Tipper on his Colts debut.

Weston Colts are again in action on Friday (November 19), away to North Petherton, kick-off 7.30 pm.

Weston Colts: Brett Robinson; Robbie J Hazzard, Tom Lewis, Hugh Matthews (capt), Bayley Seviour; Alfie Calcutt, Ollie Ham; Sam Crook, George Holyday, Omar Alkudsi, Vinnie Jones, Jude Cresser, Brent Cross, Jacob Simpson, Dido Smith.
Reps: Ryan Elderidge, Danny Bamsey, Jack Tipper.

Match photos here courtesy of Andrew Collins