Winscombe reached the semi-finals of the Bristol Combination Bowl with victory over Old Colstonians.

Old Colstonians 3 pts

Winscombe 19 pts

WINSCOMBE secured their place in the Bristol Combination Bowl semi-finals with a well-earned victory over Old Colstonians.

The hosts started slowly against a lively Colstonians side and for much of the first quarter had to defend resolutely, with Aaron Ford particularly outstanding.

Winscombe began to regain territory and after 23 minutes scored their first try. After several pick and drives, Winscombe won a ruck five metres from the Colstonians line and prop Adam Scrase picked up and drove over for the touchdown. Owen Howell added the conversion and the score remained 7-0 to Winscombe at half-time.

Both teams came out for the second half and continued to play running rugby. Colstonians got on the scoreboard with a penalty when Winscombe were caught offside to bring the score to 7-3.

Winscombe hit back quickly when winger Tom Nock collected a loose ball 30 metres out and danced his way through the Colstonian’s defence for a superb individual try, Howell again adding the extras.

Winscombe now piled on the pressure and in the last minute Colstonians tried to run the ball out from their own 22, but the ball was knocked on and George House capped off a fine display, by picking up and running in unopposed for the third Winscombe try which proved to be the final score.

Winscombe now meet Bishopston in the semi-final.

Weston 2nd XV 22 pts

Winscombe 39 pts

WESTON scored two unconverted tries in the first 15 minutes, but Winscombe hit back to record a fine victory.

The forwards decided that they were not going to be pushed around and started a series of powerful counter charges. Dynamic breaks by Simon Thompson, Dan Frier, Will Thomas and Aaron Ford seemed to rock Weston back and culminated in tries from No 8 Will Thomas and centre James Flower finishing off under the posts. Both were converted by captain Owen Howell.

Weston hit back to score a converted try bringing the score to 17-14. However, more hard running by Winscombe saw Simon Thompson gain a well-deserved try, converted by winger Tom Knock. The half was completed with a penalty by Howell to leave Winscombe with a comfortable lead of 17- 27.

The second half continued much the same as the first, with more powerful runs from the Winscombe backs, which saw George House, Knock and Flower out-manoeuvre the Weston defence for Flower to score in the corner.

From the restart, Ford collected the ball, charged 30 yards, passed inside to Thomas to set up a ruck and start the final session of play encamped in the Weston half. The final Winscombe action saw a try by Ryan Robinson, which was converted by Howell.

By way of consolation and to gain a four-try bonus point, Weston scored a final unconverted try to bring the curtain down on a memorable game.

RFU president Pat Murphy will be at the Woodborough Inn for lunch on Saturday and will then make his way to watch the home game against Stothert and Pitt.