Sat 18 Jan 2025, 14:00
Longlevens welcomed Weston to Longford Lane for the first time and promptly put a stop to their mid-season resurgence. The once giants of South West rugby had recently beaten the top two sides in the league, but the Griffins were in no mood to allow that to happen.
It didn’t take long for Longlevens to assert control of the game and the forwards were running hard and dominating the loose. A penalty was kicked to the corner after 10 minutes and the drive was set up. Head Coach, Andrew Stanley, had been addressing the importance of the straight drive in training and the forwards took on his advice. The drive was completed by Dave Edwards from 10 metres out and the Griffins were off the mark, 5-0.
Weston then had a brief period where they took some control and scored a nice try wide on the right, bringing the score to 5-5. This was the only score they managed in the half though as Longlevens controlled the game well.
Another line out drive was set up just outside the 22 and was duly driven all the way to the five metre. The ref saw an infringement but allowed play to continue and the Griffins patiently attacked the line. Man of the match, Dave Hughes then saw a gap in the ruck and pounced over to dot another one down, 10-5.
The scoring was rounded off by Piers Fortey after some quick, strong phases from the forwards. Ground was made through every tackle and play was brought to the five. Fortey took a pass in the blind channel and sprinted clear to bring the half time score to 15-5.
The first score of the half was either going to kill off the Weston challenge or bring them back into the game. The latter happened as they stretched the Griffins defence well to score wide, bringing the score to a close 15-12. This made the game edgy and a 15-minute period of indifference followed. However, Longlevens regained control and began to tighten up in defence and make yards in attack again.
James Butler, who was having another great game, went over first as he danced his way through the 10 channel to go over under the posts, this time converted, 22-12.
The game was put beyond doubt by Jack Cuthbert, who had carried well all game, when he went over to secure a 29-12 victory.
This was a good win against a stubborn Weston side who very much came to win. The Griffins showed control and were resolute in defence against big runners.
Next week sees another home game against third placed Trowbridge in what will no doubt be a tough game, #UTFG.
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