1st Team v Weston-super-Mare RFC

With a visit of top 3 side Weston-super-Mare, the Cockles knew this would be a tough run out. The boys showed resilience and guile that delivered a great win 28-27.

Weston were on the front foot from the start, denying us any ball to work with. Within 4 minutes Brad Talbot went over for the visitors fist try, converted by Archie Tilsley, 0-7. Both defences held firm and the Cockles do get close to scoring on a couple of occasions however lost control in the final push. Dave Bargent picked up an injury and was replaced by Connor O'Shaughnessy during one such excursion. Weston extended their lead with a Tilsley penalty, 0-10 on 18 minutes. George Meadows hit the first points for The Cockles with a penalty on 24 minutes, 3-10. After several phases of attack, there was no mistake this time went the forwards laid the platform for quick ball delivered by James Bath, along the back line for Lewis Geran to go over for the first of his brace. Converted by Meads, 10-10. Just after the half hour, Weston, through Talbot, took the lead again 10-15, then just before half time, Meads struck another penalty to close the gap, 13-15.

A boisterous crowd, perhaps boosted by the lack of TV sport, were right behind The Cockles. The lead changed hands on 48 minutes in and Henry Goldson went over out wide after a great bit of individual skill, then converted by Meads, 20-15. Weston then leveled through Sam Rees, 20-20. Back came the Cockles through Geran with his second, conversion hit the post and ricocheted away, 25-20. A momentary lapse from the Cockles defence allowed Rees to gallop through the middle and run in under the posts, converted by Tilsley, 25-27. 15 minutes still to run, this was a right old ding-dong. Finally decided by the boot of Mr Meadows with a well taken penalty on 30 minutes, 28-27.
Exmouth fronted up and threw everything at Weston and they did the same. Our boys perfectly closed out the game, despite being under pressure for the last 10 minutes. The forward pack, Gareth, Nick, Tribbs and Jack M, boosted by Captain Jack and Toby deserved the plaudits. The workaholic back row James, Connor O and Ben were tireless. As a collective they made life difficult for the visitors. Sam, Henry, Matty, Lewis, Alex, Meads and James with the addition of Nick, all looked dangerous. They delivered pace and lovely running lines to keep the Weston defence guessing. The Cockles did miss a few scoring opportunities, could have grabbed the all-important try bonus. A valuable 4 point win was deserved. Weston did get the losing bonus point and 4 try bonus.

At the moment The Cockles are due to travel to Drybrook in Gloucester. With the current Coronavirus status there is some question on sport attendance. We will update on our Website and social media platforms in due course.