Weston throw away advantage for second week running!

“ Quelle horreur !” These two clubs have for many years enjoyed a good and convivial rapport but the hospitality afforded to the visitors on this occasion went well beyond the call of duty as Weston, for the second week running, contrived to lose a match that was there for the taking, although credit must go to Brixham for a spirited fight back and a valuable and rare away win. It was a game of the proverbial two halves. Brixham kicked off with the wind at their backs and set up camp in the home 22. They were rewarded after ten minutes with a penalty from Lovell, which considering their territorial advantage, was scant reward. They continued to dominate with Weston seemingly finding it hard to break out, but after twenty five minutes, the home side finally put a passing move together. Full back Skelton all but made the try line following a long break, but was deemed to have been held up. It mattered not as from the following scrum, the Brixham pack disintegrated and a penalty try was awarded and converted for a 7-3 lead, which was extended after 34 minutes with a Mackay penalty. Lovell got three points back after 38 minutes with a second penalty, but on the stroke of half time, Weston broke from deep in their own half and the ball passed through several pairs of hands before hooker Withers enjoyed an uninterrupted run in from twenty metres. Mackay converted to send the home side in with a healthy 17-6 lead, and the elements on their side for the second half……which is when it all went wrong!

Brixham got a first try after 45 minutes from protracted pressure on the home line which finally resulted in an eighteen inch rumble for an indeterminate forward. Lovell converted 17-13. The arrears were further reduced eight minutes later with another penalty but Mackay answered in kind to restore the four point lead at 20-16. This was not to last.

Brixham continued to dominate terriorially as Weston sought strange options, eschewing the elements, and ignoring overlaps. Crosscombe had a five metre run in for Brixhams’ second try, converted to give them the lead at 20-23. The home side retook the lead on 70 minutes when forward pressure, and crisp handling sent Jones in for a score, once again converted, but there hadn’t been enough of this during the match.

Brixham scored a third, courtesy of Weston needlessly trying to run from their own line when all that was needed was a hefty punt downfield and a probable fifty metre gain. Possession was lost and Crosscombe scored following a speculative chip ahead. The try was converted for a 30-27 final scoreline.

Both sides had scored three tries with the odd extra penalty proving decisive.

Weston are away to Chippenham next Saturday October 5th.
Team…Skelton, Thompson,(Young) Jones, Smee, Watkins, Mackay, Waldon, Swann, Withers, Hobbs(Price), Bufton, Russell(Glen), Webber, Morrissey, Sparks.