“Weston's bad run continues as Reds ride their luck.”

An uninspiring game, probably not surprising as both sides are still struggling for a bit of form and it was bound to be a closely contested affair against the local visitors from Brislington.

Weston took the lead after 12 minutes with a nicely worked debut try by full back Berzins in his first full game. They continued to press with their pack exerting pressure on the visitors, whose front row either fell down or stood upright on contact, but their side defended stoutly with no further scoring until 30 minutes when Skelton slotted a penalty. 8-0 did not represent Westons’ dominance at this stage, and as often happens, the opposition scrambled a converted try on a rare visit to the home line, and a tight 8-7 scoreline at half time.

Most of the play in the second half took place in midfield with neither side gaining the upper hand but the visitors were given a huge boost when their scrum half was gifted a try from a palpable knock on for a gratuitous seven points and a 14-8 undeserved lead. (talk about making ones’ visitors feel welcome! Why can 200 spectators in the stand see this and a chap in a yellow shirt 5 metres away cannot?!) Worse was to follow.

Reds scored a decent legal try through the backs after 69 minutes, also converted to move ahead 21-8, and leaving the home side with a mountain to climb and time running out….they nearly did it!

Hooker Withers got a touchdown following concerted forward pressure but the touchline conversion into the wind was unfortunately beyond Skelton, and with full time approaching, excellent ball retention, with play being moved from side to side, created the opening for Edwards to cruise through a beleaguered defence for a fine try which was converted for the narrowest of losses. “When your luck is out, nothing goes well!”

As usual, the pack proved too strong for their opponents, stealing three against the head and generally pushing them around, and there was an improved performance at the line out…..when the ball was thrown to the right players!...but why did it take the team 70 minutes to wake up and play some good stuff?

The team is at home again next week vs. Chard. Please note that the kick off time reverts to 2.30 p.m.