Seasiders overcome tough challenge and conditions

In a match that was to be dominated by the dreadful weather conditions, Weston began their 13th game of this campaign at a brisk pace. Their first scrummage showed the promise of a torrid afternoon for Matson and resulted in a penalty at the reset. James MacKay slotted the kick. Weston were on the attack from the restart and following a series of drives deep into Matson territory, and a driven scrum, number 8 Morrissey was on hand to finish to finish a move with Weston's first try. Weston were quickly on the attack again and when a pass went astray the Matson players were caught flat footed as they assumed a knock on but with the ref clearly signalling play on Webb picked up the loose ball and sprinted to touch down under the posts. MacKay got the extras and Weston were well in control on 15 - 0 with just 13 minutes gone. Weston were disappointed when a superbly judged cross kick from MacKay was caught by right wing Chris Young who sprinted for the line but was pulled back for offside.
Matson's energy and commitment allowed them to disrupt Weston's pattern of play and in heavy rain the game became scrappy and disjointed. Despite Weston's dominance at both scrum and line out they were unable to take control of the game and there were no further scores in the half.
Matson started with renewed energy in the second half and forced an error from Weston resulting in a penalty goal for the visitors. A similar effort brought another penalty which went wide. Weston at last began to assert themselves and their effort brought a penalty chance kicked by MacKay to bring the score to 18-3.
Matson's efforts and the dismal weather continued to dampen Weston's attempts to play their normal game and it was a moment of brilliance from left wing Matt Watkins that set them on fire. He gathered a deep kick and ran back at the opposition with terrific pace. He found space and exchanged passes with Crossman in support and scored Weston's third try in the right corner.
In the remaining 15 minutes Weston ran in three tries as they opened up Matson's defence. Morgan scored wide out following a great move involving forwards and backs, Bennett finished off a forward drive and Hocking touched down a hotly disputed try as the game reached its final seconds. Mackay converted these last three for a personal tally on 14 points as Weston ran out convincing winners to retain their unbeaten run this season. With nearest rivals Thornbury failing to get a bonus point Weston are now 19 points clear at the half way stage of the league campaign.