Mitchell steals the show with four tries

MITCHELL Bird, so often Weston Under-15s unsung hero, capped a superb individual and team performance with a fantastic double brace to see off gallant Clevedon in a bruising Somerset Cup encounter by 34 points to 12.

The home side quickly found themselves 12-0 down in as many minutes, but Weston managed to claw their way back into the game with Bird’s first try, followed by a superb long-range individual try by Jake Middleton. Bird added his second for a half-time score of 15-12

The second half began with Weston’s forwards gaining control with George Bamsey, Tom Hughes and Mitchell Bird making some storming runs. Soon after, Bird crossed for his hat-trick, Archie Tilsley adding the extras.

Josh Gardner, who had another huge game, began to dominate the line-out and Weston really began to turn the screw. Bird was soon to add his fourth with five minutes left and Tom Hughes scoring the final try, converted by Tilsley to make the final score 34-12.

Despite the Under-13s being unbeaten at home this season, they travelled to Taunton looking for their first away win.

The hosts were on top during the first half, but Weston defended well with George Morton-Bool and Taylor Kingston making crucial tackles that would have led to certain tries. Taunton eventually scored, only for Lewis Paterson to reply for Weston.

Expecting more from the second half, Weston were unlucky not to score despite constant pressure from Reef Morton’s surging runs, supported by Marshall Hobbs. With Kyron Pearce constantly threatening to score on the break, it was Taunton that got the referee’s nod on a couple of close tries that ultimately settled the game.

In the end, it was another close game resulting in a 17-5 win for the hosts and another away defeat for Weston, who deserved more from the game for their efforts. Man of the match went to Reef Morton.

The Under-12s started too slowly against Yatton, who have in their side some of the largest players the players will meet this season.

Despite answering to Yatton’s first score with a try through Tom Burge, they lost their way and conceded several more before the break without reply.

The second half however, was a different affair, with tries by Alfie Calcutt, Dylan Way and Matthew James countering Yatton’s four tries as Weston made much more of a game of it.

Player of the match was Matthew James, but he was pushed close by several others, including the rapidly-improving Morgan Taylor.

The Under-14s travelled to Morganians of Bridgwater for the first round of the Somerset Cup.

Most of the first-half was played in Weston’s half, the pressure told and Morganians were 12-0 ahead at half time.

In the second half, strong play from the forwards allowed Sonny to crash over for a try. This was followed with a hard fought period of play which eventually led to a breakaway try from Henry.

Weston converted both of their tries and won the game 14-12. They now face either Bath or Coombe Down in round two.

The Under-7s entertained Yatton and provided two teams each, both equal in skill.

Adam, Ashleigh, Charlie and Oliver were good in attack and scored several tries apiece, with Samuel getting on the score sheet as well.

All played well, but they missed some important tags as Yatton just sneaked the win by one try in both games.

In the second game, great running by Daisy Crompton saw her score three tries and getting countless tags. Corey Morrisey had his best game so far and had a great personal battle with Yatton’s best player, leading to three tries.

Jolly, Enzo, Harrison and Kayden were all over the pitch, with William showing massive improvement. The support play was fantastic as Weston just nicked the victory.

The Under-6s put out two teams against Yatton. Team one played two games winning the first 10-8 and the second 9-8. A fantastic try from Dillon Drinkwater started off the game, followed by great tries from Joe Rossiter, Jacob Rumble, Oscar Crompton and Frankie Moore.

Charlie Hudson’s first game also delivered him his debut try with a great run. Defensive work was excellent with some strong efforts from Fred. Dillon was man of the match with five tries and a pass that sent Moore through to score.

The Under-8s played host to local rivals Yatton and enjoyed a great morning of rugby. The blue side were unbeaten across the three games, but more importantly probably scored the best try seen at this age group for many a year.

Their victories were built on some sterling defence, led from the front by Finley Simpson who was on fire when it came to tagging, as was Greg Cunnington. Jayden Hood once again led the statistics, with more tries and tags.

Tommy Crane continued to show improvement and Sam Goodare is making his presence known as is Dominic Hawkins, while Thomas Withers was close to scoring his first try.

The team try was started by Simpson deep in his own half, which passed through three or four pairs of hand before being finished off by Hood.

Meanwhile, the red side fared less well, losing two of their games and drawing the third. However, with two debutants in their ranks, the side gave a great account of themselves.

Ollie Dadds and Leon Beard led from the front and Roo Beckett was fiery in defence, tagging strongly, while Jack Hobbs scored a couple of brilliant tries, with Jack Groom similarly going over, once from his own half.

Joshua Spark put in another of his energetic performance, but it was the two newcomers who stole the show. Shaun Shergold and Harry Wills, both tagged well and Wills scored his first try for the club.

The Under-9s faced a strong Yatton team who made their presence felt with some strong running and took a two-try lead early on.

Weston’s Sam Slingsby powered through the Yatton defence to open the account for the home team, before Tom Collard scored his first of two tries in the match by linking cleverly with his brother Harry.

Billy Charlton and Jay used their pace and agility to weave through the Yatton defence to score a try apiece, but Yatton also scored tries to tie the score at 6-6. Remo Harness picked up a loose ball and ran into the corner to give the home team victory in the dying seconds.

In the second game, Ben Donachie’s superb tackling kept the visitors at bay, while William Bamsey used his strength and determination to score his first of the day. Further tries from Tom and Harry Collard and Remo, once again gave Weston a win by a single try.

HORNETS Under-16s welcomed Minehead to the Nest for the first round of the Somerset Cup, with the home side running out 28-5 winners.

Hornets started brightly and some strong running by Richardson and Francis, aided by Dover and Eades saw Bate cross for the first score.

Hornets again pressed, but couldn’t break through and Minehead sprang a surprise attack to score and equalled Hornets’ total.

After the break, Hornets were again dominant, but too often lost the ball and allowed a turnover. Holyday made a break through the middle supported by Chamberlain and Constable, but got stopped short. An offside gave a simple penalty chance, which Humphris converted.

From the restart, Fitzpatrick drove upfield and another misdemeanor by Minehead saw Humphris kick another penalty. Soon after, Turner stormed to the corner to finish off a great try.

Personnel changes brought fresh legs and Hornets increased their lead when Turner intercepted a pass and crossed again. Good work by Mohide and Parkman set up Solomon for a try, converted by Keano.

The Under-14s travelled to Taunton to participate in their first-ever Somerset Cup fixture against a large and physical home side.

Hornets found themselves pinned deep in their own half for long periods, until they put together several phases leading to Ayden Chenoweth crashing over to break the deadlock.

Taunton restarted with a deep kick, resulting in a breakaway when Quentin Querl broke several tackles before scoring a fine individual effort to take a 10-0 half-time lead.

The second half was a reversal of the first, with Hornets attacking tirelessly. Oscar Browne with trademark hand-off breached the defence to score, the conversion added by Bradley Lucas gave Hornets a 17-0 lead.

Taunton took the game back at Hornets and were next to score, but missed the conversion. With the game in the balance, superb quick ball balls from the breakdown saw captain Chenoweth to score in the corner to finish match as 22-5 winners.

WINSCOMBE Under-16s travelled to North Bristol for a friendly game and returned with a 24-10 defeat.

The visitors opened the scoring with a try for Joe Duran, before North scored two tries to take a half-time lead.

The second half saw North Bristol scoring first as they evaded some poor tackles from Combe. The home side scored another try before Joe Hartshorne set up Duran for his second try.