Somerset Cup Quarter-final

Old Redcliffians 22 Weston-super-Mare 37

A brace of first-half tries by Matthew Burns and five goals by Mark Armstrong took Weston through to the semi-final of the Somerset Cup in this floodlit match at Brislington.

Andrew Richards opened Weston's account in the eighth minute with a driven-over try and 10 minutes later Burns touched down the try of the match with a skilful chip and catch.

Both scores went unconverted, but Armstrong was, at last, on target when he converted winger Burns' second try from the touchline.

Before that, Red's Matt Manuel had kicked a penalty and just before the break he converted Craig Owens' try to bring the visitors' advantage back to 17-10.

Two penalties by Armstrong early in the second half and his conversion of George Sparks' pushover try gave the Seasiders some breathing space, but Manuel's conversion of Joe Woodward's try gave the hosts hope of an upset which was increased when Chris Lake dived over for Manuel to convert.

But when Weston finished strongly and were awarded a penalty try to which Armstrong added the extras.

Weston will now play Taunton in the semi-final on Sunday, March 16, at North Petherton.

Weston-super-Mare: H Warman; M Burns, T Gilmour (sinbin 19), C Broaders (C Young 60), P Sprague; M Armstrong, L Hember; T Gukibau, D Burge (capt), E Hunt, A Richards, A Hall, W Tuitupou (J Gallagher 70), K Hobbs, G Sparks

Weston-super-Mare fly-half Mark Armstrong made his 65th first-team appearance in the Somerset Cup quarter-final match at Old Redcliffians to qualify for his club blazer badge.

Armstrong (33) was born at Rush Green, Essex, and was educated at Campion School in Hornchurch.

He played for London Schools and later, while at Bristol, he represented Eastern Counties Colts.

His first spell with the Seasiders was from 1997 to 1999 after which he played at Dunvant, Caerphilly, Dungannon and Newbury.

He returned to Weston last season and has, so far, scored 508 points, including 19 tries.