Weston’s hopes of a quick return to National League 2 were all but scuppered with a home defeat to Bideford.

WESTON 20 pts

BIDEFORD 22 pts

In a game that was in doubt right up to the kick-off, resulting in it being played on the second team pitch, two evenly matched sides produced a somewhat heroic effort in the circumstances.

This was captain Andrew Glen’s 250th appearance and there were also first team debuts for prop Will Hunt and lock Ross Chesher, as well as a surprise return for veteran former first team captain Dave Bird who played on the blindside.

Weston took the lead in the second minute through a Dan Lomax drop goal and the fly-half increased the lead with a penalty soon after. This considering that the hosts were playing into a howling gale and persistent rain was no mean feat.

However, with the elements in their favour, the visitors hit back with a try by No 8 Dean Folland who broke through from a scrum near the Weston line. Fly-half Ollie Wickett converted and he also produced a superb kick from wide out to add the extras to full-back Chris Snell’s well taken effort.

With Weston eight points down at the break they must have fancied their chances with the elements in their favour and soon after the restart, left wing Watkins received a superb inside pass from centre Chris Young to scoot in under the sticks. Lomax converted and for the next 20 minutes it was all Weston. The pack was dominating and it was no surprise when referee Mr Heath awarded a penalty try following heavy pressure at the scrum.

Lomax again converted and it looked as though Weston would go on and win. However, Bideford had other ideas and after lock Jonno Mock cut the deficit to one point it was Wickett who won the game for the visitors with a long range effort.

For Weston, Glen and Bird were superb throughout as was full-back Ross Bennett.

However, Weston’s old failings of bad game management when in a winning position all but scuppered any hopes of a quick return to National League 2.