Weymouth beat the freeze for first away win (From Dorset Echo)

Weymouth beat the freeze for first away win

8:20am Tuesday 15th January 2013 in Rugby By David Williams, Sports Reporter

Oakmeadians 9 Weymouth 18

WEYMOUTH battled through rain, mud and the very real threat of hypothermia to record a first away win of the season in Southern Counties South.

Coach Paul Harding paid tribute to physio Chris Wood for his work in keeping the players on the pitch as bitingly cold conditions made for a tough afternoon, especially for the backs.

Unfortunately, his magic hands could nott prevent winger Will Quick having to leave the action in the second half as a broken nose ended his match early.

However, Quick had already contributed to Weymouth’s win – their second over the Oaks this season – with a dazzling first-half try to open the scoring against the Bournemouth club.

The speedster’s opportunistic score started with him seizing on a loose ball and then zig-zagging his way to the Oaks’ try line. Nick Sheppard converted to make it 7-0.

The hosts hit back with a couple of penalties only for fly half Sheppard to kick one of his own. A third Oakmeadians three-pointer, however, reduced the deficit to 10-9 at the break.

Playing against the elements in the second period, Sheppard controlled the game superbly with a first-class display of kicking from hand which kept his side on top.

His tactical play allowed the Weymouth pack to dominate and the visitors added a penalty and a Sam Morris try to their tally as they completed the league double over their rivals.

“It was a really good win, I’m absolutely delighted,” said Harding. “The conditions were appalling, it really was ridiculous.

“We tried to play rugby but the conditions were the winner at the end of the day. We wanted to move the ball but it wasn’t the sort of day to do that.

“The pitch was in a very poor condition. There was a lot of surface water and a few players were complaining of headaches and flashing lights which are the first signs of hypothermia.

“Our physio Chris Wood did a fantastic job in keeping the players on the park.”

He added: “They pinned us back in the second half but Nick Sheppard had a really good half and his kicking game was excellent.

“He allowed the pack to control things and they really did have a stranglehold on the game.

“It was a good performance from everybody. All the forwards played well, Will Quick looked dangerous every time he got the ball and Nick Sheppard was excellent.”

It wasn’t such a good day for Weymouth Seconds who were beaten 30-7 at North Dorset Thirds in Dorset & Wilts Two South.