Weston complete double over visitors

Weston returned to winning ways, dispelling the memory of last weeks’ shocker against Chippenham, but this was not a convincing display against an Oxford side which is all but doomed to relegation, and against whom the home side had scored 90 points earlier in the season. The Harlequins seem to find it difficult to field a settled side and their players appear from all over the town, the area and for that matter, the South Sea Islands, but they have found a bit of team spirit and put up a lively performance.
They should have taken an early lead but Hilton missed a sitter from in front of the posts and Weston opened the scoring after 15 minutes with a trademark forwards try from an attacking lineout with hooker Withers getting the touchdown. Young converted from wide out. The visitors replied six minutes later with a score from Chadbone who flopped over. Hilton converted, and kicked a penalty following Sparks’ yellow card to lead 10-7.
This was increased to 17-7, and a surprise halftime lead following careless defence and a score for Cossins during which time Weston were reduced to thirteen men as Morrissey also took an enforced break.
The home side scored first after the break on 46 minutes when Eaton touched down following concerted forward pressure and Young once again converted to reduce the arrears to 14-17 and eight minutes later, they took the lead with a converted try from Smee following a break by Jones. The visitors were now on the back foot and Weston scored two quick tries after 66 and 68 minutes through a second for Withers and one for Wright, on for the injured Russell and who showed good strength to go in under the posts. Young converted both and normal service was resumed with a 35-17 lead. The expected late onslaught did not materialise as Weston unravelled, allowing the Harlequins an eleventh hour revival. A back row forward (apologies, not sure of his name), was allowed to run in under the posts for a seven pointer, and careless passing gave a simple interception try to Whittington for Oxford to close to six points. There might have been a third but for Thompsons excellent covering from the far wing and Young settled the nerves with his seventh successful kick of the day a couple of minutes before the end. Not a good day for Weston. The excellent supporters this season have become accustomed to better fare. One suspects harsh words from the coaches following this one!

WSM team Bennett, Sprague(Blizzard), Jones, Smee, Thompson, Young, Waldon, Swann, Withers, Hobbs, (Price), Somers, Russell (Wright),Eaton, Morrissey, Sparks.