Match Report - Longlevens v Weston Hornets (28th October)

Longlevens 13 Weston Hornets 12

Will get something to the Citizen later - this'll be a 'hot off the press', OK 'hot off the press once Dan's had a beer, some lunch, and a kip' job....








It was, as you'll know if you were there, and if you weren't, why not, a pretty miserable morning at Longlevens (see Nanook of the North, left), and I was somewhat handicapped by turning up late, having had to help out No. 1 son with homework to avoid FLASA (face like a smacked armpit) syndrome....









What we saw, as we wandered up the field to No. 2 pitch was sustained pressure from Longlevens, concentrated in the left hand corner - all this to no avail, however, and despite 'Levens dominance for the opening 10 minutes, and a series of transgressions from the visitors, there was indiscipline in our defence (no names, no pack drill - Deacs) and Weston executed a good breakout from their 22, and scored under our posts, for a 0 - 7 lead.....







There was a little light relief after 25 minutes, when Nanook was called on to do a little pitch tidying (well, we thought it was funny, anyway - don' t think Phil did, even in the latex...) and following this 'Levens started to exert some pressure, culminating (good word) in a penalty converted by Rory Woodward for 3-7 at half time.

Worthy of note from the first half was some sterling work from Shane O'Brian (right) on the right wing - plenty of strong running and tackling....






The second half started with more of the same, along with some top notch defence from George Cusworth and good work from Matt Hayward both going forward on the wing and also thwarting Weston's attacks - the massed ranks of the faithful (below) were on the edge of their collapsible chairs....












With the scores still at 3-7, there was some sustained pressure from Weston along with resolute defence from 'Levens, until, 5 minutes in, there was a breakout on the right from the home team - Christian Hartery looked sure to go over in the corner until stopped dead by a high tackle, and a penalty try was awarded, bringing the scores to 10 -7.






Following this score, there was a messy period of play, with numerous infringements from both sides and little being achieved, until 5 minutes later when Weston scored on the left from their forwards, following some slack 'Levens defence, bringing the score to 10 - 12.

Following this the game entered the final stages, with 'Levens desperate to break out and score, and Weston equally keen to pin the home team back and also looking to extend their lead.





Sam Lane (right) went off on a bullocking run up the left (though luckier he's easier on the eye than Shrek) only to be pinged illegally into touch.



From the resultant penalty the home team worked their way up the field, showing commendable commitment, and won a penalty under the posts. Following a couple of false starts, Rory Woodward kicked the penalty at the last gasp, to make the final score 13-12.







Afterwards, in the bar, in the warm, Jamie Best was named MOTM, for some sterling work in defence at fullback, sweeping up tricky ball, all day.