By Chris Heath and John Harding.

Weston-super-Mare RFC’s search for their second Regional 1 South West victory of the season continued as they slipped to a two-point defeat again as they went down to fellow league strugglers Ivybridge last Saturday.

The visitors did edge the try count three two, but the deciding factor was Ivybridge fly-half Matt Grieveson kicking 14 points while opposite number George Nuttycombe countered with 12 of his own.

Weston had led 27-23 going into the final five minutes only for Grieveson to add two penalties to restore Ivybridge’s advantage. 

The visitors were not going to go down without a fight as Weston gained a penalty on the five-metre line.

Unsurprisingly came the kicking tee to give Nuttycombe, who had been impeccable up to this point an opportunity to snatch Weston’s second league victory.

But it wasn’t to be as Weston settled for a losing bonus point.

Despite a promising start by Weston, it was the hosts who took the lead after a catch and drive line-out saw hooker Owen Garner cross the whitewash.

Grieveson added the extras and a penalty to build up a point cushion.

With the midway point of the half approaching Weston claimed a try through hooker Tom Burge, in only his second senior appearance of the season.

Nuttycombe added the conversion and a penalty following good work by centre Bradley McPate to level the scores. 

Grieveson restored Ivybridge’s advantage with a penalty and the conversion of a try from No8 Adam Northcott from a tapped penalty.

Back came Weston with excellent flanker Jay Davis claiming his fifth try of the campaign. The Kiwi racing away for what is becoming a trademark score. Nuttycombe added the conversion which left Weston trailing 20-17 at the break.

Ivybridge extended their lead early in the second half through Grieveson’s penalty. With the half-time team-talk still ringing in their ears, Weston hit back. 

A sweeping move involving prop Sam Coles, full-back Chris Young, Davis, and a blistering run by right-wing Dominic Marshall who's superb inside pass put scrum half Dan Lomax away.

The conversion from Nuttycombe gave Weston the lead for the first time in the game.

But there were still some 30 minutes to play and a great deal at stake for both sides. Nuttycombe added a second penalty to set up a nail-biting climax to the game, only for Grieveson’s two late penalties to give Ivybridge four league points.

On Saturday, Weston travel to Polson Bridge to face Launceston at 3pm.