“Weston score 5 tries and contrive to come second !!”

The main pitch was unplayable at 9.00 a.m. but there was always Plan B whereby the reserve pitch was playable, and the match was confirmed in time for Bracknell to make their travel arrangements.

The pitch recovered well during the morning and was in good condition by the kick off….more’s the pity. A heavy muddy pitch would have suited Weston, and slowed down the visiting backs. It’s not often a side scores five tries and loses but the Seasiders managed to achieve this feat as the match developed into a contest between their forwards and the visiting backs.

Bracknell took a 6-0 lead in the first 5 minutes courtesy of two penalties from much travelled journeyman George Owen. New fly half Iain Chisholm replied with a penalty after 12 minutes but the visitors scored a corner try that really should have been stopped, by small but solid winger Birch. 3-11 become 8-11 after 27 minutes when the Weston pack shunted Bracknell back over their line for the first of No.8 George Sparks’ three tries.

Bracknell responded immediately with a try from fly half Price, who inexplicably was allowed to run in from 30 metres. Owen converted for an 18-8 lead.

Weston closed to 15-18 on the stroke of half time as the visiting forwards once again capitulated for Sparks to score his second pushover try. Chisholm converted.

Bracknell opened the scoring in the second half with a further score from Owen after 49 minutes, and scored another converted try on 53 minutes as Westons’ defence went completely “awol”. The score had rapidly become 15-30 but Weston closed the gap with a penalty try under the posts as the Bracknell pack, which was as weak as the Weston tackling, once again found reverse gear. 22-30 became 22-33 with another Owen penalty after 61 minutes but the gap closed to 27-33 three minutes later with Sparks hat trick score from yet another forward drive.

Did Weston knuckle down to eke out the win? No. They sat back and leaked two further tries for Bracknell to put the game out of reach at 27-45. Inevitably the match ended with Weston pack battering its’ opponents, creating the space for winger Oli Caton to cross in the corner.

Too little too late. Final score 32 -45 and one meagre bonus point to show for their five tries and forward domination. They will rue their poor defensive effort and missed goal opportunities.