Weston U14 27 - Hornets 12
Mar
This local derby usually presents a keenly fought match however this time Weston dominated their opponents.
Weston started the game at a high pace utilising the good conditions to their advantage and it wasn’t long before they took the lead. A good break by Weston’s backs led to a penalty close to the Hornets line. Sheppard quickly took the penalty and powered over from close range for the first score.
Weston’s forward continued to provide quick ball for Weston’s backs and Davies made a break outside his opposite number to cross the line.
Again from the restart Weston kept possession and the forwards were again able to present quick ball which the backs used again to put Davies into space and his pace to cross under the posts – Gibbs added the conversion.
Weston with a comfortable lead and looking dangerous every time the ball went wide then relaxed and allowed the Hornets back into the game. Hornets took advantage of this and crossed with a powerful forwards move to score the conversion unsuccessful.
The second half began with the Hornets restarting – Weston had obviously refocused and took the second half straight to their opponents. The forwards collected the ball and some excellent hands and support play saw a number of offloads being made out of the tackle between forwards and backs. The ball went through several pairs of hands and lead to Hobden scoring under the posts. Weston had extended their lead with an excellent team score.
Davies then added his third try of the day with again excellent work by the forwards to win opposition scrum ball. Sheppard who was able to create gaps for Davies with his direct running again took the ball up and put Davies into space again using his pace Davies exploited the gap to cross for his hat trick.
Weston then rung the changes and gave starts to new players James Herring and Harry Ashman both of whom can be pleased with their debut. With the game coming to an end Hornets scored a consolation try following a kick through which was spilt by the Weston defence to allow the Hornets to cross under the posts – they successfully added the conversion.
Weston will be aware that they missed a number of conversions and also a number of try scoring opportunities were lost due to poor support and handling. However they can take this performance forward for the semi final next week.
Special mentions must go to Weston’s forwards who were excellent in the set piece and allowed the backs the freedom to attack and also Shelley whose work rate, tackling and determination earned him the Man of the Match.
