Weston U14’s once again found themselves at the ‘nest’, this time for the first round proper of the Somerset Junior Cup.

Before the kick-off the players from both teams linked arms and stood together in respectful silence for two minutes to honour the service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their countries.

From the kick off Weston went on the attack and after just a five minutes Tom Burge the Weston loose-head prop powered his way over to score wide left of the home team’s posts.

Hornets reacted in the most positive fashion and despite spirited defence from Weston levelled the score almost immediately when their number 13 found some space down the left flank and sprinted through to score in the corner.

This score was followed by a short period of attack and counter attack with good defensive play from both sides and some timely and important clearances from the boots of Hayden Main, Bradley Robinson, Ashley Shepherd, Dylan Way and Corey Turnbull.

Eventually Weston’s persistence paid off and was rewarded when the ever alert Tom Burge spotted a gap and used his considerable strength to break through and cross for his second try of the game. With none of the tries converted, Weston went into half time with a narrow 5-10 lead.

Both sides started the second half much as they had finished the first, with the play switching back and forth and both sides fighting hard not to concede any ground.

Eventually fast line speed from Weston forced the opposition into error and from the turnover who else but Tom Burge was there to collect the loose ball and drive over just left of the posts for his third try of the day. Hayden main converted to put Weston 12 points clear.

It was at this point that Hornets to their credit, upped their game and it was now Weston who were forced to defend.

Hornets launched a series of attacking plays which seriously tested the Weston defence and prompted some impressive tackling, especially by Ethan Kirkham and Ashley Shepherd.

The Hornets pressure was consistent and productive when their efforts were rewarded by a try in the 40th minute out to the left hand corner.

The Hornets boys continued to press and thought they had scored again soon after, but the ball was deemed ‘held up’ by some great defending on the part of Jake Roberts and the ever reliable Tom Burge. Weston’s excellent defence held out until the final whistle, with the final score a 10-17 win for Weston.

This was once again a good and positive team performance from ALL of the Weston players. The coaches commended the stand out performance by Tom Burge, but decided that the Man of match award would once again be shared by the whole team for their excellent combined team effort.

They would also extend their thanks to all the replacement players for attending and supporting on the day.