Drybrook 16ptsWeston super Mare 16pts
Weston were forced to put their title winning party on hold when their long winning sequence was brought to an end by a fired up Drybrook outfit.
It could have been worse for Weston if Tim Stevenson’s last gasp penalty had gone over to give his team a victory they richly deserved.
Stevenson set the tone for the day when he burst through a gap in the opening minutes but a last ditch tackle got Weston out of trouble.
All the early play was with Drybrook but Weston weathered the storm and almost got a try themselves but a great cover tackle from Will Greenway saved the day. The referee brought play back to an earlier offside penalty which the sea siders kicked to go ahead.
Stevenson levelled the scores on 17 minutes with a penalty in front of the visitor’s posts and then continued pressure brought the first try of the day.
Winger Mitch Baldwin went on a weaving run and after being tackled the ball was quickly recycled and fed along the line to Kristian Taft who stepped inside the last defender before running in close to the posts to make the conversion easier for Stevenson.
Right from the restart Drybrook had the chance of another score when a huge gap opened up for second row Will Greenway. Unfortunately the supporting Danny Price could not hold on to the inside pass and the opportunity was lost.
Weston, clearly rattled at this stage, then started to apply some pressure themselves and with 31 minutes gone they closed the gap with a penalty from 35 metres.
Back came Drybrook with a fine run from fullback Charlie Huberts that was only halted by a desperate tap tackle and there were some nervy moments for the visitors as they were forced onto the defensive again.
Drybrook asked some serious questions of the Weston defence in the last minutes of the half and their endeavour was rewarded with another Stevenson penalty.
Half Time:
Drybrook 13pts
Weston-super-Mare 6pts
Roared on by the large crowd Drybrook tore into Weston from the restart and relentless pressure brought a yellow card for the visitors and another penalty for Stevenson which he duly despatched.
Drybrook could not make the one man advantage tell and Weston began to get more into the game with a significant period of ball retention and territory.
A penalty kick to the corner brought the chance of a catch and drive try but Drybrook survived and managed to clear the danger.
With 15 minutes left Drybrook moved up field with a lot of pick and goes right through the heart of the Weston defence who were clearly not used to being on the back foot but a handling error brought the sequence to an end.
Into the last 10 minutes it was Weston’s turn to apply some pressure and Drybrook held on for a bit but wave after wave of attacking eventually created space for a try out wide and the successful conversion reduced the deficit to 3 points.
Drybrook were tenacious in defence as Weston threw everything into attack but a penalty award 3 minutes from the end gave the visitors the chance to draw level which they did with a well struck kick.
Into injury time and it was Drybrook on the attack again and the visitors were penalised for a deliberate knock on which brought a yellow card and a last ditch chance to win the game.
The crowd held their breath as Stevenson took the shot at goal but unfortunately the wind dragged it across the face of the posts much to the relief of the Weston players and supporters.
Drybrook 1st XV; Charlie Huberts, Mitch Baldwin, Kristian Taft, Ben Large (captain), Harry Howard, Tim Stevenson, Ben George, Mitch Hale, Alex Wolfe, Elliot Beattie, Will Greenway, Glenn Nott, Danny Price, Joe Tingle, Mitch Bourne.
Replacements; Rhys Gardner, Mitch Renton, Sam Peaper.
Drybrook Extras