Weston continued their poor form, with a disappointing display at Old Patesians in Cheltenham.

Old Patesians 22 pts

Weston 0 pts

IT WAS another disappointing day for Weston as the club strives to find a settled team and a winning formula.

As usual the forwards dominated their opposition, but the Pats showed enterprise in the backs to score a couple of tries, whereas the Seasiders’ back division struggled to make the best of their possession and spilled too many passes.

They were also guilty of some erratic decision making which seemed at odds with the coaches’ instructions.

Weston have played often enough at Everest Road to appreciate the importance of taking advantage of the slope. They spurned the opportunities to gain position by trying to run from their own half on too many occasions, instead of kicking for position, and when kicks were made, they were inevitably misplaced and easily fielded.

The home side took the lead after eight minutes with a close range penalty and increased this to 10-0 with a scrambled try after 30 minutes, and so it stayed until half-time.

The cognoscenti and touchline growlers at Cheltenham believe that the slope is worth 12 points and so it proved to be as Pats scored two tries courtesy of some disorganised Weston midfield defence for a 22-0 final scoreline.

Weston’s forwards will feel aggrieved that their dominance yielded scant reward. Referee Chapman warned Pats after 15 minutes for constantly standing up in the set piece and then did nothing for the rest of the match as they continued to struggle.

Perversely it was Weston who were reduced to seven men when Cox was sin binned, but it didn’t make much difference as the seven forwards continued to push Pats at will.

There was also a perceived improvement in the lines-out, and with four jumpers, there certainly should have been, but the efficiency and ruthless finishing of previous times has yet to appear.

An unsatisfactory spectacle, punctuated by injuries, stoppages and breather breaks, but unfortunately little exciting rugby.

Weston team: Bennett (Bergels), McCarthy, Skelton, Edwards, Watkins, Jones, Tuttiett, Crompton (Price), Hocking, Streeter, Russell, Cooper (Johnston), Eaton, Cox, Sparks (c).

Weston are at home to Brixham on Saturday. Kick-off 3pm.

WESTON RFC supporters who do not hold fixture cards should be reminded that the venues for the matches against Old Redcliffians have been switched.

The match on October 25 will be played at the Recreation Ground (3pm) and the away game will now take place on February 21, 2015.