Weston-Super-Mare III v Gordano II

As with most games so far this season, Gordano found themselves behind within the first 10 minutes after Weston exploited the Gordano defense to take a 14-0 lead. After battling to win possession the Gordano pack started to make progress down the pitch and after a few phases, Gordano created quick ball which enabled Cameron Fryer to run in to the corner and score, Nick Moore added the conversion. Weston responded well and came back and attacked, but stalwart defending from the back row kept Weston at bay, until Weston charged down a clearance and burst through to extend their lead. Weston carried on attacking with their backs combining well and sent the ball out wide which lead them to break through the Gordano defense to score again and convert taking the score 28-7. As half time was approaching, Gordano carried on battling and not to be deterred, when Adam Ollis came off to strap up his ankle, on came Dan Bailey who after two seasons of playing football up front with no goals to his name out stepped two Weston defenders for his first try of the season, Nick Moore converted to bring the score 28-14 at half time. After the break Weston came out the blocks and scored early into the second half to take a commanding lead. After Andy Davies rallied up the players it took a good 15 minutes where both teams evenly contested for possession and territory. The breakthrough came when Adam Ollis broke through the Weston centers to score under the posts with Nick Moore adding the extras, this then set the tone and brought Gordano to life and the pack started to dominate and created quick ball for the backs to exploit the tiring Weston defense. Ian Ganfield went crashing into the Weston pack which got sucked into the ruck and created space for Adam Ollis to run and exploit the gap created to score his 7th try in two games, and with Nick Moore in fine kicking form adding the extras. With 12 minutes remaining and Gordano only needing a score to bring the game level the forwards kept the pressure up which eventually led to Gav Dungan running through the gaps being created as he accelerated past the full back to score under the posts, Nick Moore again adding the extras took Gordano into the lead for the first time with 6 minutes remaining. Weston still looked capable of scoring and the game was in the balance after getting a penalty in Weston’s 22. Nick Moore converted to move Gordano five points clear of Weston with minutes remaining, Weston came back and after a tense finish Luke Wilson created a turnover which enabled Gordano to clear their lines and win this thrilling encounter. Weston will feel hard done by not to have won after being dominant for the first 50 minutes and taking a commanding lead, but by Gordano not dropping their heads, the work rate of the forwards and pace in the back line proved to be the deciding factor. Next week Gordano entertain Nailsea & Backwell II at Caswell Lane