Weston conceded 20 points early in their match against Old Centralians, but improved greatly after that.

OLD CENTRALIANS 27 pts

WESTON 7 pts

WESTON conceded 20 points in as many minutes at the start of this match in Gloucester and although they improved after that, the damage had been done.

Centralians were six points to the good after only seven minutes through centre Liam Hemming’s brace of penalties.

Weston replied when flanker Tom Crossman went close, but the hosts increased their advantage with centre Ryan Townsend’s try from a five-metre line-out. Hemming converted and the same player ran through some poor defending to touch down, his conversion taking the score to 20-0.

Injuries to prop Richard Ford and lock Peter Rodgers did not help Weston’s cause during the first-half and Paul Morrissey’s controversial yellow card early in the second was a bitter blow.

But the Seasiders fought back. Their scrimmage was powerful and their line-out was the best of the season so far through the accuracy of hooker Joe Pullen.

Both lock Andrew Glen and scrum-half Hayden Tuttiett made inroads before replacement Will Cooper reduced the deficit with a try on his debut.

Jack Skelton converted and Weston continued to attack strongly only to be denied by a well-organised defence which was lucky in not conceding a penalty try.

But at the end, deep into stoppage time, Centralians scored a good try by replacement Dean Harper. Hemming converted for a personal total of 17 points.

After 20 minutes, Weston looked to be on a real hiding, but they fought back manfully. Led from the front by skipper George Sparks, they put in a good 65 minute shift which deserved better.

There were encouraging performances by wings Matthew Watkins and Richard Webster on his debut, together with fly-half Chris Young and replacement prop David Price.

On Saturday, Weston entertain Bournemouth at the Recreation Ground (3pm).

Weston: R Bennett, R Webster, J Skelton, S Edwards, M Watkins, C Young, H Tuttiett, R Ford, J Pullen, D Crompton, A Glen, P Rodgers, T Crossman, P Morrissey, G Sparks (c). Replacements: D Price, W Cooper, M McCarthy.