Hornets 13 Weston super Mare 36

Hornets 13 – 36 Weston
This was a crucial game for both sides. Hornets hopes of avoiding relegation were very real, particularly given their recent run of impressive wins. Weston also needed a victory to move themselves away from the drop zone.

Despite heavy overnight rain the game kicked off with the sun shine breaking through and it was Weston who started brightly. The visitors kicked off and blind side flanker Spelman leapt to take possession. Weston quickly recycled the ball and worked it toward the right wing. Jones came into the line and created just enough space for Robbie Mackay to go over in the corner with just a minute on the clock. Dickson’s conversion was just wide but Weston had had just the opening they wanted.

Hornets worked extremely hard and their forwards carried well, Pape and Parker both made ground. The home side attacked relentlessly but Weston’s defence remained secure. Even when Spelman went off, replaced by Turton, Weston continued to tackle and with a penalty advantage Hornets were held up over the line. They had to settle for a simple Humphries penalty.

Despite being down to 14 men, with Sugg yellow carded, Weston built momentum and they worked the ball first to the left and then the right. Jones came into the line again, saw a gap and cut through to score Weston’s second try. Dickson made no mistake with the conversion and Weston now had a nine point lead.

Weston’s defence continued to thwart Hornets efforts and the visitors also made a number of turnovers to relieve pressure but also allowing them to create their own.

An exquisite cross field kick from James Mackay was fielded by right wing Robbie Mackay and as he stepped inside his opposite number he seemed certain to score but was hauled down a yard short by an exceptional tackle. Hornets knocked on in the ensuing ruck and Weston’s forwards turned up the power at the five metre scrum. Sugg, back on after his rest in the bin, took his chance picked up from the base of the scrum and dived over for a try. Dickson converted and the teams turned round at half time with the score at 3-19 in Weston’s favour.
The second half remained an intense contest and Hornets attacked relentlessly and Weston must have been feeling that would spend the whole half tackling. Eventually the pressure created by the home side was rewarded as they moved the ball to the left wing for Dempsey to score a try which went unconverted.

Hornets continued to pressure Weston but they were met with resolute defence and Weston worked their way toward the Hornets half. An error at a line out on the Hornets 10 metre line resulted in Hornets getting a turnover and they raced away and put Carter in at the right corner for Hornets second try. Humphries conversion attempt fell just short.

With the points gap reduced to just six Weston remained calm and stuck to their game plan. Their efforts were rewarded with a penalty just 30 metres out and Dickson made no mistake.

With Hornets appearing to tire Weston stepped up the pace and in a rapid move Weston attacked on the right and with very quick passing Robbie Mackay was put into just enough space for him to elude the defence and touch down for Weston's bonus point try. Dickson converted and with just four minutes left on the clock the crowd might have thought the show was over.

Weston got possession from the restart and worked through several phases moving up the middle of the pitch and then released their backs again this time on the left and winger Watkins was on hand to touch down in the corner. Dickson’s conversion from the touchline sailed between the posts.

Weston held their nerve and retained possession for the duration of time remaining and finished the game deservedly victors by 13 -36. This result moves Weston away from the vicinity of the lower part of the table and virtually assures them safety. Sadly this result means that Hornets will be relegated. This is a real pity as they are a young side with plenty of talent. The town, and both clubs, benefit from the interest and excitement generated by local derby matches and everyone will be hoping that they can fight their way back into SW Premier very soon.