WESTON 6 pts OLD PATESIANS 21 pts - IN a much-improved performance, especially by the forwards, Weston were well in touch with 15 minutes remaining, but three late tries by the visitors denied them any league points.

WESTON 6 pts

OLD PATESIANS 21 pts

IN a much-improved performance, especially by the forwards, Weston were well in touch with 15 minutes remaining, but three late tries by the visitors denied them any league points and kept them in the bottom two of National 3 South West.

The defining moment came at the interval when George Sparks was forced to retire with a leg injury. Had he been able to continue, Weston would surely have come away with something, even victory.

As it was, they lost an important line-out option and were generally unable to control the back of the scrum.

The front row of David Price, David Burge and Steve Donegan had a good match, as did Andrew Richards and Andrew Glen, and Glen set up James Mackay's first penalty with a powerful charge for a 3-0 interval lead.

But within a minute of the second half the Pats were level with Adam Seager's straight penalty after Sparks' replacement, Ed Smith, was unable to gather the re-start. However, the hosts continued to attack and Dan Fry was denied at the left corner following Mackay's crossfield kick.

Unfortunately, Mackay's usual goal kicking accuracy deserted him on the day and three penalties were missed within the space of five minutes, but he stepped up with his second penalty in the 56th minute to regain the lead.

But Weston again failed to cope with the restart, giving Seager the chance to kick another penalty to level matters.

However, the Seasiders still persisted and James Arnold was unlucky to be adjudged offside as he was heading for the posts and the visitors were able to finish things off with tries by Pettigrew, Robinson and Seager, the last of which came in time added.

Weston: H Warman; J Arnold, S Trimmel, J Filer, P Sprague; J Mackay, N Trevenna; D Price, D Burge (capt), S Donegan, A Richards, A Glen, C Wright, D Fry, G Sparks (E Smith 41). Replacements (not used): M Smith, L Grimes.