WEYMOUTH 37 WALCOT 34

SKIPPER Julian Quick grabbed two tries to inspire Weymouth to a bonus-point victory over Walcot at Monmouth Avenue.

The hosts scored some wonderful tries in this Southern Counties South clash but they were made to fight to the end with just three points separating the two sides come the final whistle.

Weymouth head coach Paul Harding said: “It was a tight game. We were always winning but they ended up putting us under a lot of pressure come the end.

“We led 22-5 and then 37-22 with 12 minutes to go when I thought we had them beat but for some reason, we then fell away and were really hanging on towards the end.

“We lost Harry Charles and Joel Wilson to injury and when the latter went off with 10 minutes to go I think it threw us a bit.

“To pick up a bonus-point win against such an experienced side at this level was a fantastic effort though and all credit to the players.

“We scored some great tries but we just need to improve our concentration at times defensively.

“When you miss a tackle at this level or give possession away too easily it can cost you dear but we are continuing to learn as we go and the progress we are making is very encouraging indeed.”

Weymouth got off to a flier with Nick Sheppard firing over a penalty in front of his brother Ollie, who lined up for Walcot, and Charles grabbing a try in the corner.

Wilson then went over to make it 15-0 and with Nick Sheppard adding the conversion, it looked like the hosts might be in for a comfortable afternoon.

However, the visitors then replied with two touchdowns of their own before the break and although Julian Quick crossed for a converted try between those two scores it was still very much game on in the second half.

Facing the wind now, Weymouth conceded another try but soon responded with Will Quick grabbing his first to make it 27-15.

The visitors still refused to roll over though and hit back again with a converted score to keep the crowd gripped to the action.

Julian and Will Quick then both completed their braces to put the home side in full control again but after that it was all Walcot as they added another dozen points in the closing stages only to fall just short.

Weymouth now lie seventh in the table, 12 points above the bottom three and just three adrift of the top four. Weymouth: Comben, Borrington, Vallance, Smethurst, Westwood, J Quick, Morris, Charles, Allen, Sheppard, W Quick, Iles, Wilson, Robinson, Hoxey. Replacements (all used): Oakley, Hamlin, Llewendon.