Try-scoring bonus point in the defeat at Barnstaple

BY the 43rd minute of this match at Pottington Road, Weston were well on their way to their fourth successive defeat.

The hosts had already secured a bonus point with their fourth try and although the Seasiders eventually won the second half by 17-12, their efforts proved to be too late.

Barnstaple opened their account in the sixth minute after Weston had kicked away good possession against the wind.

Centre Ryan Brand was the scorer and they went to 12-0 when they were awarded a penalty try. Will Topps converted and the full-back was soon adding the extras to his team’s third try which was touched down by prop Shane Maddock.

But Weston responded briefly after exerting pressure in the home 22 with lock Dave Bufton’s fourth try of the season to bring the interval score to 19-5.

With the heavy wind now their favour, Weston needed to use the elements to get back into the match. Instead, they lost a line-out, then allowed Ryan Carter to run 40 metres past several defenders for their bonus point try. Topps converted again for 26-5.

But back came the Seasiders to be awarded a penalty try for Barnstaple collapsing a scrum near their line. Dan Lomax converted, then fly-half Kirk Middlemiss’ dummy took him through to the posts for a fine individual effort.

But the conversion failed and Barnstaple were soon surging to the Weston line where wing Tom Heard scored from close range.

Weston had the final word with a bonus point try by George Sparks, but it wasn’t enough to make any difference to the result.

Weston: T Bellak, H Jones, S Smee, S Edwards (c), M Watkins, K Middlemiss, D Lomax, D Price, C Withers, S Donegan, D Bufton, A Glen, G Sparks, P Morrissey, C Webber. Replacements used: T Wheatley, S Fisher, M Burns.

WESTON now find themselves in 10th position in National 3 South West and they will have to seriously regroup during the Christmas break if they are to make any kind of impact in the new year.

Their first opponents on January 4 will be second placed Bracknell at the Recreation Ground in what will be a tough task.