Brixham 21 Weston super Mare 17

Brixham 21 – 17 Weston
This final game of the 2017-18 season in the South West Premier league was important for the future of both the clubs.
The game kicked of in bright warm sunshine in front of a large crowd bolstered by the attendance of Weston Junior section and travelling supporters.
The game was robust and energetic and neither side had the upper hand in the opening exchanges. Brixham’s Tom Putt got the opening score from a penalty kick.
Weston’s finishing was less clinical than of late and they seemed over keen to score at the first go rather than build pressure and display a bit more patience. Putt got a second penalty and Weston failed to capitalise on another chance before James MacKay got them underway with a penalty on 28 minutes.
Weston were dismayed when pressure from a long kick resulted in Brixham losing the ball. Watkins hit the ball on, off his knee an Kingscott in support gather the ball and raced to touch down under the posts. However the referee believed that Watkins had knocked on and brought play back to a scrum.
Weston were having the better of the play and a neat chip from James MacKay bounced kindly and right wing Robbie MacKay gathered and raced away to score Weston’s first try. James MacKay converted and Weston had taken a lead with 4 minutes to go to half time. Brixham came straight back from the kick off and earned a penalty which was kicked by Putt and the teams turned round at half time with Weston having a narrow 9-10 lead.
Right at the start of the second half Weston made a simple error and a missed tackle allowed Brixham to put centre Tom Maclean away for a try converted by Putt.
This energised the home side and they carried the ball through their forwards for long periods, starving Weston of possession. Weston did have chances to regain momentum but took quick tap penalties rather than opting for touch kicks, down the slope into the corner. On 34 minutes Brixham broke free for a second time and Maclean celebrated his second try. The normally very accurate Putt missed the conversion but Weston still looked to be in some trouble with the clock running down and being adrift by 11 points.
A penalty brought Weston a chance and this time they kicked for the corner. The line out was well won and the forwards drove for the line and Andy Glen touched down for Weston’s second try. Mackay converted and with just 3 minutes left Weston needed another try to win the game. Brixham were canny though and knew that 4 points would very likely keep them safe from relegation and they held onto the ball through a series of pick and drives. Weston prevented them from making any ground and the referee blew for full time.
Weston got a losing bonus point which was all they needed to secure SW Premier league status. Brixham’s win, with other results going in their favour, are also assured of avoiding relegation. Although Weston’s season did not end on the high that was hoped for they have gained a very creditable 8th place and consolidated their place in this league following promotion last season