Back
Sat 09 Sep 2017 · South West Premier
Newton Abbot
1st XV
54
5
Tries: M Watkins
Abrupt end to unbeaten run
dave burge11 Sep 2017 - 05:43
Share via
Newton Abbot deliver excellent display to overturn the Seasiders
Weston’s run of 30 games without defeat came to an abrupt end at the hands of a Newton Abbot side brimming with talent.
Weston started the game in the ascendancy and pressed the home defence. With just six minutes on the clock they forced a penalty at the breakdown but MacKay’s attempt went just wide.
Very soon after Weston’s backs broke through the Newton Abbott defence as Nel made a wonderful break. He was supported by Tuttiett and Robbie Macaky and they looked certain to score but the final pass was adjudged forward.
This seemed to galvanise the home side who ran the ball through a number of phases and ultimately set up a driving maul and the scored their first try with fifteen minutes gone. The try was converted.
For the next twenty minutes Newton abbot ran phases after phase until the Weston defence was left ragged and they scored four tries, all of which were converted including one effort from the right hand touchline. Their new signing Matt Jess from Exeter Chiefs was instrumental in each of these and his class was on display. To Weston’s credit they tackled for all they were worth but the home side were very well drilled and were able to play expansively as the chance arose.
Weston never gave up and in time added on at the end of the first half, and following great work in the set scrum they ran the ball wide and Watkins crossed for his second try of the season.
Weston reorganised at half time and again started very strongly but were soon having to defend again as Newton Abbott ran numerous phases before unleashing the ball through their talented backs. They scored three more tries to bring the final score to 54-5.
Weston will need to think hard about how they approach the breakdown and how they will get enough possession against the stronger opposition that they are facing this season. To Weston’s credit the scrum performed very well, the backs played with invention and initiative when they had the ball, and they gave away far fewer penalties than they did against Brixham. They will need to show considerable character after having such a long unbeaten streak ended in such comprehensive fashion.
Weston started the game in the ascendancy and pressed the home defence. With just six minutes on the clock they forced a penalty at the breakdown but MacKay’s attempt went just wide.
Very soon after Weston’s backs broke through the Newton Abbott defence as Nel made a wonderful break. He was supported by Tuttiett and Robbie Macaky and they looked certain to score but the final pass was adjudged forward.
This seemed to galvanise the home side who ran the ball through a number of phases and ultimately set up a driving maul and the scored their first try with fifteen minutes gone. The try was converted.
For the next twenty minutes Newton abbot ran phases after phase until the Weston defence was left ragged and they scored four tries, all of which were converted including one effort from the right hand touchline. Their new signing Matt Jess from Exeter Chiefs was instrumental in each of these and his class was on display. To Weston’s credit they tackled for all they were worth but the home side were very well drilled and were able to play expansively as the chance arose.
Weston never gave up and in time added on at the end of the first half, and following great work in the set scrum they ran the ball wide and Watkins crossed for his second try of the season.
Weston reorganised at half time and again started very strongly but were soon having to defend again as Newton Abbott ran numerous phases before unleashing the ball through their talented backs. They scored three more tries to bring the final score to 54-5.
Weston will need to think hard about how they approach the breakdown and how they will get enough possession against the stronger opposition that they are facing this season. To Weston’s credit the scrum performed very well, the backs played with invention and initiative when they had the ball, and they gave away far fewer penalties than they did against Brixham. They will need to show considerable character after having such a long unbeaten streak ended in such comprehensive fashion.
Further reading