Old Patesians – 15
Weston-Super-Mare – 32
Old Patesians failed to match their normal high standards against Weston-super-Mare in National League 3 South West. Weston had not beaten the Pats since January 2003 but their pace, pride, passion and persistence severely tested them and, eventually, the Pats conceded defeat.
Pats had the advantage of playing down the Everest Road slope and scored in the first minute when full back Stu Taylor sliced through to score wide out.
Weston were dismayed at the early reversal but hit back quickly. After several phases the Pats wandered offside and James Mackay slotted the simple penalty to reduce the arrears.
Weston continued to have the upper hand and, once again, after several phases the speedy Watkins rounded two defenders and full back Taylor to score wide out on the left.
Pats responded well and after James Aherne was held up short, James Pettigrew crashed over to regain the lead.
Not to be outdone, Weston resumed their ascendancy and just before half-time Watkins was released again, rounded the defence and scored under the posts. Mackay added the extras to give Weston a narrow 15-10 lead.
It was going to be difficult for the Pats as they now had to play up the slope against increasingly rampant opponents. Attempting to regain control the Pats set off with greater urgency and within three minutes, winger Danny Davis had gone over to score a good team try to level the scores.
Pats continued to have a greater amount of possession but the defensive pressure applied by Weston reaped its rewards when Ross Bennett picked up a loose ball, ran 45 metres before releasing Watkins for his third try. Mackay added a touchline conversion to put Weston back in the lead.
Pats continued to apply the pressure but their passing was often slow and wayward. The pressure applied by both themselves and Weston resulted in a string of penalties and from one of these Hobbs took a quick penalty in his own 22 and following quickly recycled ball Watkins scored their and his fourth try for a bonus point. Another superb touchline conversion from Mackay put the game out of reach.
Pats eager to try to reduce the margin and pick up a potential two bonus points made further errors and in trying to recover possession offered the trusty boot of Mackay a final opportunity to round off the scoring for Weston with a penalty.
Man of the Match:
Rob Fidler – Pats second row forward.
By Bob Ellis
