Barnstaple 57 Weston-super-Mare 14

Weston-super-Mare gave debuts to lock Ed Nixon along with ex-Colts Rhys Matthews and Jacob Simpson plus a bench start for Wilf Bright.

The first half was a disappointment for one of the promotion favourites and although they stuck to their tasks for long periods they conceded tries from Dan Johnson, Ashlee Crouch and a brace from Jake Murphy.

Murphy converted all four and added a penalty to give the home side a 31-nil half time lead.

But the second half was a much more even affair although the home side extended their lead with tries from Sam Roberts and Louis Beer plus a Murphy conversion.

The Weston scrum was dominant with skipper Tom Sugg scoring from a pushover along with a debut try by flanker Simpson who sniffed an opportunity following a line out. Fly-half Archie Tilsley completed two fine conversions in a purple patch for the visiting team.

Barnstaple had Ryan Smale yellow card 15 minutes from time but replacement Will Topps crossed for the home side’s seventh try followed by a penalty try to complete the scoring and take the wind out of Weston’s sails.

All is not lost after one game and with good performances especially from the front row of Coles, Carpenter and replacement prop Ollie Streeter along with Captain Sugg, full back Joe Burgess and some excellent last ditch defence by winger Hayden Main, there is plenty to build on.

Barnstaple scorers – tries: Dan Johnson, Ashlee Crouch, Jake Murphy (2), Sam Roberts, Louis Beer, Will Topps, pen try; cons: Jake Murphy (5), pen try con; pen: Jake Murphy.
Weston-super-Mare scorers – tries: Tom Sugg, Jacob Simpson; cons: Archie Tilsley (2).

Next Saturday (September 9), Weston-super-Mare host Launceston, who were the 24-10 winners at Ivybridge at the weekend.