Excellent away victory at Ivybridge

This away fixture for Weston was the first meeting between the two clubs at first team level and Weston were hoping to build on their recent run of league form in this 11th round of the South West Premier League.
The opening exchanges were very even, and there were no early scores.
It was the home side, on 17 minutes, who broke free and following good work from their back row recycled the ball, moved it wide to the right wing and Damon Ackerman was awarded a try in the corner despite the home touch judge putting his flag up for a foot in touch. The conversion attempt by Mitch Pinkus hit the upright and bounced away.
Ivybridge held the lead for just six minutes as Weston built some momentum. Weston were awarded a penalty which was just with Weston’s Dickson’s range but they opted for a kick to touch. From the lineout Weston set up a driving maul and it was in form hooker Mike Hocking who touched down for Weston’s first try. Dickson’s conversion allowed Weston to take the lead.
Weston had a number of great forward carries which took them close to the Ivybridge line and in particular Ollie Streeter was rampaging through the Ivybridge defence, but Weston were not able to complete any scores until a great backs move saw wing Robbie MacKay break clear of the first line of defence. A neat scissors move put scrum half Jack Conway away to sprint in from 20 metres to pick up Weston’s second try. Dickson made the conversion and Weston were then forced to defend as Ivybridge attacked with great energy. They were held up over Weston’s line twice in quick succession and Weston were somewhat relieved when the ref blew for half time with the visitors holding a 5-12 lead.
In some recent games Weston have gone off the boil at the start of the second half, but not today when the restarted at a cracking place and put the home side’s defence under tremendous pressure. This resulted in a penalty and this time Dickson went for goal and slotted the kick to open a ten point lead.
Ivybridge were not done though and they worked hard to get well into the Weston half. A neat chip kick from Mitch Pinkus was fielded by wing Billy Pinkus and he scored a well taken try converted by Mitch Pinkus.
Weston were taking control as the game moved into the last 25 minutes and several forwards carried with power and penetration and Weston were awarded a penalty which was kicked to the corner. Weston lost control and knocked on but at the scrum they drove the Ivybridge pack off their own ball and drove for the line. Scrum half Conway dotted down for his second and Dickson’s conversion restored the ten point lead.
Weston kept possession for most of the next ten minutes but on their next visit to the Weston half Ivybridge were awarded a penalty for not releasing in the tackle and Mitch Pinkus hit the target from 35 metres to bring the home side with a single score of Weston.
Almost from the restart Weston pressure resulted in a penalty and Dickson made no mistake slotting the 40 metre shot to re-establish a ten point lead.
As the clock ticked down towards full time Weston attacked again and again and finally they stretched the Ivybridge defence out wide and full back Harry Jones came into the line and glided through a narrow gap to score Weston’s fourth, a bonus point try. Dickson made the conversion.
Showing great spirit and determination Ivybridge attacked in time added on and with 42 minutes on the clock forced their way over in the corner, the try scored by Lewis Paterson who had threatened all afternoon. Mitch Pinkus got the conversion but the game was done and the ref blew for full time.
Weston picked up a bonus point win but the home fans will be wondering why their side are in such a lowly position in the league given their good attacking play and robust defence. Weston deserved their win and were the better side. They will want to work on playing at their best for the full 80 minutes and ensuring that they convert all of the chances that they create when the face old rivals Hornets next week at the Rec.