Two narrow penalty misses proved costly as Weston were narrowly defeat by Newent.

Newent 11 pts

Weston 8 pts

Weston could have won this close encounter with Newent, but two narrow penalty misses by centre Glenn Dickson were in the end to prove costly as a late Newent penalty secured victory.

With the elements playing a crucial role in proceedings, Newent started the stronger and were three points to the good after 10 minutes through a penalty by captain Ross Webb.

The rest of the half was a war of attrition, but the hosts stretched their lead with a fine chip and chase by winger Brett Gardner. Dickson immediately cut the lead with a penalty and Weston must have fancied their chances with the elements in their favour in the second period.

This feeling was enhanced when No 8 Rich Bignell forced his way over following a determined period of pressure. With the scores level, Dickson missed the difficult conversion before an identical miss from a penalty soon after.

Weston were dominant in the second period, but could not force another opening. The late Newent penalty resulting from a rare break out secured Weston’s fate.