Weston’s long run of defeats continued at Brixham, despite putting in an improved performance.

Brixham 27 pts

Weston 15 pts

WESTON travelled to Brixham hoping to end a long series of defeats in the league, but once again, although producing an improved performance and playing well for long periods, they were undone by sloppy individual defence at crucial times.

Brixham, with a strong home record, started much the stronger and were 12 points to the good after only seven minutes through right wing Jamie Bond, following a massive forward drive and fly-half Martin Worthington, who recognised gaps in a disorganised defence and cut through to score.

Scrum-half Andy Sendercock converted the first of these and it looked as though Weston were in for another uncomfortable afternoon.

Much to their credit, the visitors regrouped and began to make inroads, causing Brixham real difficulty in defence. They cut the deficit through an Ollie Snook penalty after 10 minutes and then eight minutes later, a 40-metre drive by the pack, followed by good interlink play amongst the forwards resulted in a try for lock Andrew Glen.

The conversion was missed, but in the 25th minute, Weston scored a great try, when following a scrum, Snook took a flat pass and found centre Sylvan Edwards, who put centre partner Harry Jones away.

He found full-back Ross Bennett, who cut a fine line to score a well-taken try which was converted from wide out by Snook. The remainder of the half continued to be a tight battle, but Weston took a three-point lead into the second half.

The introduction of the returning Glenn Dickson at half-time only served to increase the visitors’ optimism. However, it was not to be as the home side scored soon after the restart through Sam Thomas and a conversion by Sendercock to put Brixham back in front.

Despite Weston applying some pressure, they could not break through and Brixham finished the stronger, adding an injury time try by Russ Thomas, following a series of penalties and resultant forward drives, to an earlier penalty by Sendercock.

This gave the hosts a somewhat flattering, but deserved victory, and rob the visitors of a losing bonus point, something the display had more than merited.

This was a much improved performance form the Weston side, who showed an ability to break down a strong home defence and make the most of possession, something which has been a concern for much of the season.

The pack deserve credit for matching their opponents throughout, in particular hooker Mike Hocking and lock Andy Glen, both of whom carried strongly throughout, as well as young flanker Ben Cox, who had his best game of the season, to date.

Team: Coles, Hocking, Crompton (capt), Glen, Russell, Bulger, Cox, Gleeson, Tuttiett, Snook, Sprague, Edwards, Jones, Maloney, Bennett; Reps: Price, Eaton, Dickson.