Wins-Come Too Easily For Local Rivals

Weston hosted Winscombe this weekend in what turned out to be a great game of rugby at the Rec. Having lost heavily in the first meeting of the season Weston looked to even the score and the game was a much more even affair. Weston's pack competed well in the loose, but old habits of picking up and trying to be the glory hunter would come back to haunt the Weston side. 20 minutes of evenly contested rugby ended when DJ Wills smashed over for great try following a series of penalties on the Winscombe 5 yard line. James Aucott added the extras and Weston led 7 nil. Winscombe then came back strongly and gained the upper hand. A fine James Aucott tackle kept the visitors out when they had a clear overlap, but it wasnt long before they got back on level terms when a well worked try was converted. Weston looked to have the last word of the half, when Owen Kelman broke blind from a dominant Weston scrummage, but he was denied with an excellent cover tackle. Second half and Weston handed the initiative to their opponents when they watched a long kick off roll into touch just 5 yards out. Weston struggled to get out of their 22 and Winscombe crossed to score their second try. Convesion good, Winscombe led 14-7. Weston then came back into things well, but it was the constant pick and go that halted their advances. When the Weston backs managed to get hands on the ball they were unable to break through some great defence. Chances came and went, most notably following an outstanding catch and break by Harry Lewis from a Weston drop out. When he was finally downed in the Winscombe 22, the support and recyling wasn't good enough and Winscombe broke away. Missed tackles then let Winscombe through and they crossed for their 3rd try. Converted, Weston were up against it trailing 21-7. Weston came back into things really well with some good rucking, but you guessed it, they kept picking and going. Billy Kirk looked excellent when he came on and was able to get his hands on the ball, and Harry Spedding should have scored following an outstanding weaving run - back yourself on the outside next time Balti. In the dying seconds, Weston finally cleared out a ruck and gave the backs quick ball, and Harry Lewis was able to surge through to score a deserved try for the hosts. Conversion missed and the final whistle. Final score 12-21. Winscombe deserved the win, but Weston are getting closer. Lots for Weston to be pleased about - not least the scrummage which was completely dominant and the return of Ashley Hardman who had a fine game at prop, but lots for us to work on. Forwards keeping their claws off the ball, tap penalties being passed in the right direction and tackling. It wasn't until Steven Gerrard's late penalty that the smile returned to my face. Sol Ward, Rhys Langley, Stefans's right foot and Billy Kirk get the pats on the back this week for great performances, but man of the match was Harry Lewis who had his best performance of the season. Old Reds next week.