Yatton & Hornets Combine To Sting Weston

Weston travelled to Yatton this week to take on the newly formed Yatton & Hornets team (or Yawnets as they have been nicknamed)in what proved to be a great games of rugby in the sunshiiiiiiine. Weston had travelled with a bare 15 (plus one bad back and a poorly chest)with a combination of people on holiday and naughty boys being grounded leaving the squad light. Yawnets had amalgamated as a result of low numbers, which left a few people scratching their heads as the substitutes bench stretched the length of the pitch. The game kicked off at 11 and Weston started playing at 1115, by which time they had leaked 17 points through some strong running from the Yawnets centres and some abysmal tackling from the Weston defence. Heads bowed, a good tanking on the cards, and Mrs Hynes in a mood. Not a good combination! But then Weston awoke from their slumber and got stuck in. In the loose Weston looked very strong with some great rucking. The scrummage was very strong with Mike Ward and Sol Ward dominating their opponents and allowing Rhys Langley to win numerous strikes against the head. When Yawnets did have the ball, Weston began putting pressure on in the midfield and suddenly we had a game on our hands. Half time fast approaching and a series of penalties five yards from the Yawnets line looked a certainty to see Weston score. But, some very good defence and some of our players struck down with try line fever, kept Weston out. The pressure looked to have been soaked up when Weston knocked on and Yawnets had a put in on their 5 meter line as the last play was called. Langley with another strike against the head and a great drive turned the ball over and allowed Owen Kelman to pick up and ghost in for Weston's opener. Conversion missed 17-5 at half-time. Weston knew that the next score would be vital and kicked off the second half. Yawnets fumble, knock on, Weston scrum, lovely jubbley. A few phases later and Chow was in at the corner - SLAM DUNK (or dropped the ball as some might say.) All eyes on the ref - "Downward pressure" said the excellent offical, "Thank Christ" said I, try scored. Conversion in the car park, 17-10. Yawnets turn to come charging back and once again the weak tackling was apparent. Weston were warned for not rolling away, Stefan Thompson-Rose was pinged seconds later and a yellow card awarded. Yawnets crossed to take the lead out to 22-10. Once again Weston came roaring back though and the game was flowing nicely. Rhys Langley was next to get over the whitewash following some great work by the Weston pack and no-one deserved to score more than him yesterday. Great try, conversion on the clubhouse roof, 22-15. More pressure from Weston and 5 minutes later they were at it again when DJ Wills took the lineout ball and turned to break through and cross in the corner. Conversion over the wall but the score was now 22-20 and Weston looked to have momentum. Even Mrs Hynes was cracking a smile at this point and things were looking good. But Yawnets were having none of it and dug in really well to stop Weston in their tracks. Even the loss of discipline from several Yawnets players which resulted in 2 quick fire yellow cards couldn't stop them (I'd like to crack some funny about Hornets contributing in usual style but it was the home side players who threw their teddies out the cot.) Two quick fire tries and conversions from Yawnets took all the steam out of Weston and the game was too far gone now at 36-20. Weston however had the last word when they re-grouped yet again and put pressure on through the pack. DJ Wills picked up and couldn't be stopped, crashing over for his second, under the posts. At last an easy conversion - wrong!! Post hit, lines fluffed, Final score 36-25. Mrs Hynes leaves in a huff. Six Tries to Five was just about a fair return in what was an excellent game of rugby. Both sides gave everything and everyone enjoyed the spectacle. The referee was outstanding, which helped enormously and he'll be welcome back at Weston should there be a re-match. Hopefully the merger will work out and we can play again, but managing a squad of 30 will be difficult. I can't help thinking there will be some players who'll miss out, but fear not, you can come and play for us if you want. Right off your soap box Richard!!! There were some great performances today from Weston and some not so great. We really must improve our tackling which is costing us so many games this season and realise that what you do without the ball is just as important as what you do with it ( Pete told me that, it's not me being clever!) DJ Wills showed superb discipline in the face of some foul play and Chow had his best game on the flank so far this season. Also producing his best was Stefan Thompson-Rose who made some fantastic breaks at fly half,and Owen Kelman was once again excellent at scrum half. The two stand out performances came from Billy Kirk and Rhys Langley. Billy brings a new dimension to the back line with strong running and pace. His power in the loose was outstanding. He is fast becoming our stand out centre and is once again urged to give up football immediately!!But the man of the match today was Rhys Langley who won countless strikes against the head, turned over superbly at the break down and made some great surging runs. Oustanding performance Rhys keep it up.