Seasiders start new year in fine style

Weston secured their first win of 2017 with a bonus point 5 try victory and the double over South Devon side Kingsbridge.
Despite fielding a side with a number of changes Weston were confident that they had sufficient fire power to secure a good victory but Kingsbridge were determined not to be a push over and they attacked Weston with great energy and determination. Weston's defence was secure and their tackling was accurate and robust, and they quickly transformed defence to attack. Recycling the ball and working through the phases earned Weston three penalties slotted by James MacKay on 12,16 and 22 minutes to give the visitors an early 9 point cushion.
Kingsbridge also defended well and Weston's only try of the half came after 10 phases of possession including many drives for the line before lock Andy Glen crashed over near the posts. The try was converted by MacKay and the teams turns round with Weston having a comfortable 16 -0 lead despite a great effort by the Kingsbridge forwards, missing their number 8, off the park following a yellow card infringement. Once again Weston's defence was up to the task but they had to work hard to hold up the Kingsbridge ball carrier as he was driven over the line.
The second half saw Weston up the tempo. Just four minutes into the half and following rapidly recycled ball, Weston's scrum half Bennett scampered through on the blind side for a sharply taken try. MacKay was unerring with the boot converting from near the touch line.
Kingsbridge attacked again but they were thwarted by some great tackling, particularly from Berzins making his first appearance in the side this season, and Weston swiftly turned defence into attack, recycled through three phases and released wing Robbie MacKay down the right hand narrow side for a well taken try, once again converted by James MacKay.
Weston were in control and a poor clearance kick was fielded safely by left wing Godfrey and he exchanged passes with full back Harry Jones who sold the sweetest of dummies to slice through the defence and score near the post for the bonus point try. MacKay hit his fourth conversion and Weston looked to be safely home with the score on 0-37.
Weston drove at the Kingsbridge defence and recycled the ball very effectively. Several players got close but the final score came as Weston worked the ball to the middle of the park and then span it wide to right wing Robbie MacKay who finished his second try of the afternoon in style. Inevitably James Mackay converted, his 8th successful kick from 8 attempts in the game and moving Weston to a 0-44 victory.
Close neighbours and rivals Clevedon moved into second spot in SW1W, 21 points behind Weston and the meeting between the two sides in February looks set to be a key encounter. Weston will be looking to maintain their fantastic run of 15 winning games in the league this year when they entertain Newent at the rec next Saturday.

Match report courtesy of Andy Ballard