Weston 31 - Barnstaple 24

Match Report by Stuart Berwick

The Under 13’s made a trip to another seaside resort last week as they spent the weekend at Croyde in Devon on their annual tour. As well as some tag rugby on the beach and the usual rugby focused entertainment the highlight of the weekend was a friendly fixture against Barnstaple. The hosts gave them an excellent reception ensuring both players and parents were well looked after for the day.

After being given tickets to watch the 1st team game the Under 13’s were then allowed to play on the main pitch. With a crowd of a couple of hundred remaining the atmosphere for the boys was fantastic. Both teams rose to the occasion with excellent play from both sides as they held each other at bay till Dominc Marshall raced down the left flank to break the deadlock. Against a big Barnstaple pack Brooklyn Chamberlain and Euan Braidwood had to work hard to win the ball. With good support from Marshall Hobbs and Ryan Jones they ensured Weston had most of the possession. Barnstaple pulled back a try and converted it to take the lead before surging runs from Lewis Paterson and Kyron Pearce earned them a try each to give Weston a 17-7 lead at half time.

Barnstaple fought back after the break with two tries in quick succession to level the scores before a strong run through the middle from Kyron Pearce ended in a try under the posts. Barnstaple responded instantly with a try of their own inspiring Weston to go looking for the winner. There were constant attacks from Harry Strutt, Reef Morton and Andrew Turner as the forwards piled on the pressure before Jack Press released the ball to Lewis Paterson whose mazy run ended under the posts to put the score beyond all doubt.

Final score 31-24 to Weston with a huge thank you to Barnstaple for a great game and excellent hospitality. A truly good advert for the game with both sets of players a credit to their clubs!

Player of the match went to the forwards to their huge effort in the scrums.