Weston 32 -10 Exeter University

In front of a good sized crowd, swelled by the large number of people attending sponsors lunches, and in quite dreadful weather, Weston returned to winning ways following two recent disappointments.
Weston, playing into the wind and driving rain, were on the score sheet after just 3 minutes when they drove hard at Exeter in the middle of the pitch. A cross field kick by Mackay was plucked out of the air by left wing Watkins and the forwards moved the ball well and MacKay then kicked cross field to the right where flanker Cox took the ball and fed right wing Morgan who crossed for the opening score. With a howling gale blowing against Mackay’s kick the conversion attempt went wide.
Exeter struck back with a series of drives finished by hooker Philips to level the scores. Their conversion was missed.
With driving rain and gale force winds accurate handling was made difficult for both teams but Weston continued to play an expansive game and came close several times. A penalty from 35 metres was kicked by Mackay and Weston extended their lead minutes later when another move on the right saw Morgan cross for his second try.
Exeter then applied terrific energy and pinned Weston close to their line with a number of forward drives but with a penalty to Weston, Brocks took a quick tap, the ball was moved to the left and Watkins made good ground. The forwards recycled the ball, Brocks and Mackay moved the ball to the right and Dickson sliced through to score a wonderful end to end try. With MacKay temporarily incapacitated Dickson converted his own effort and Weston finished the first half 20 – 5 in front.
Exeter came back very strongly for the first 20 minutes of the half, and they scored a second try from Philips from close range. They continued to apply constant pressure and retained possession. From a line out they drove time and again at the Weston line but were but were denied by the tenacious Weston defence which halted all their efforts just short of the try line. Even when penalised, and with Talbot yellow carded for off side Weston’s defence held out.
Eventually the Exeter forwards made a mistake and Weston pounced turning attack to defence in an instant. MacKay’s long kick into space, carried by the fierce wind was chased by the Weston backs who caught the Exeter right wing in possession and he was forced to carry the ball back over his own line to give Weston the put in at a 5 metre scrum.
With Tom Hocking moving to hooker, replacing brother Mike who had an ankle problem, and Charlie Brabham coming back on to loose head the Weston fowards made no mistake with a powerful drive toward the line. Talbot controlled the ball at the base of the scrum and touched down for Weston’s bonus point try. Mackay’s conversion was perfectly judged as the wind carried the ball between the posts and Weston had taken control and a commanding lead.
From the restart Weston regained possession as the Exeter forwards fumbled the wet ball. The ball was hacked forward by first Dickson and then Nel and with several players in support it was full back Ross Bennett who picked up the loose ball and dived over to seal a great victory, and revenge for the early season defeat.
Weston were without doubt deserved winners and provided an very entertaining spectacle despite the downpour and the high winds. Exeter University played their part with some determined attacking, particularly from close quarters but the Weston players handled the pressure admirably, and tackled extremely well, with young Jacob Cox putting in a great shift. When they had the chance the forwards carried well and Charlie Brabham was very evident in these exchanges. The backs produced some slick moves despite the slippery ball and the whole team can congratulate themselves on a fine performance against a side several places above them in South West Premier. Weston’s league position was improved by one place and the club will be left wondering what might have been if performances had been like todays in some earlier games.