Weston 26 - 6 Ivybridge

Ivybridge must have felt that they would start as favourites as they began the day in 3rd place to Weston’s 9th. Weston are quite the mercurial side but were confident in their preparation and were hungry for revenge after being narrowly denied a victory in South Devon earlier in the season. The visitors started with energy running into a solid Weston defence but with clear intentions. They were awarded a penalty and took a 3 point lead as Pinkus kicked the goal on 9 minutes.
However Weston regained possession at the kick off and quickly built momentum. They clung onto possession through numerous phases and came close twice before Nel finally broke through for the first try of the game converted by MacKay.
The game remained close but Ivybridge attacks were stalled by great defensive work, which kept Ivybridge behind the gain line despite their ability to hang on to the ball. Pinkus seized the chance with his second penalty goal attempt and the gap was closed to a single point in Weston’s favour with 20 minutes gone.
Excellent driving play by Weston resulted in a yellow card for an Ivybridge second row forward for breakdown infringements and Mackay kicked the penalty to the corner. Weston used the catch and drive and after a couple of phases it was hooker Mike Hocking who touched down from a driving maul. The extras were missed.
Ivybridge thought they had broken through with an intercepted pass on the left wing but the player was chased down and tackled into the corner and there was no score for the visitors.
Moments later and it was Hocking who intercepted a pass and broke away. Great support play resulted in another driving maul and Talbot was on the end of the move to touch down for Weston’s third try, Mackay converting.
Despite being restored to 15 players Ivybridge were unable to contain Weston and following an attempted line clearance by the Ivybridge number 10, who had been under intense pressure from Weston's back row, James MacKay fielded the kick, passed to brother Robbie who passed to wing Alex Howman who had space in front of him. He swerved past two defenders, ran into more space and outstripped the defence to touch down, having run 50 metres, for the bonus point try. Mackay converted again and Weston had opened a 20 point gap as the half finished.
The second half was a damp affair as strong winds and driving rain hampered both sides. Weston’s defence was secure and they attacked when they could, coming close on two occasions. Ivybridge stuck at the task and retained possession for long periods, but were unable to threaten any score and the game ended with Weston worthy bonus point winners.
A number of Weston players shone amongst a great all round team performance. Ollie Streeter, back from an ankle injury carried well and put in some crucial tackles. Billy Kirk, who has played for the United most weeks had a storming game in the back row and tackled anything in a green shirt. His work rate was admirable and allowed opportunities to win turnover ball. Dickson at centre was a constant threat to Ivybridge and Brabham, Glen and Maslen all made significant impacts as they came off the bench. However this was Weston at their best as a team. Abrasive and quick in defence and elusive and dangerous in attack. If the team can maintain this sort of form they must surely climb the table.
Despite this five point win over Ivybridge, who now slip to 4th place, Weston remain 9th in SW Premier League but have opened up a nine point gap between themselves and the bottom three clubs.