Dorset & Wilts Division One

Cooper Avon Tyres 13 Weymouth 14

WEYMOUTH emerged triumphant from this Dorset & Wilts Division One thriller at Cooper Avon Tyres.

But it was nip and tuck right from the kick off with the lead changing hands no less than five times.

Avon took the initiative and had the Seasiders on the rack for most of the first quarter and it came as no surprise when left wing Andy Beattie touched to put the hosts in front.

Making a return from a long term injury, Weymouth flanker Jon Hallett levelled the scores, peeling around the front of a line out to touch down in the corner.

With half time beckoning the Dorset club turned the screw and when Avon infringed the visitors, Welsh fly half Duggie Bader conjured up a 35-metre penalty goal to put Weymouth in front 8-5 at the break.

Tyres struck back almost directly from the restart with a try from right wing Luke Brailey.

Bader had another ace up his sleeve and he stepped forward again to land a second penalty only to see his opposite number Luke Woolford stroke over a drop goal to leave the Seasiders trailing by 13-11.

Weymouth dug deep into their reserves and with less than five minutes to go the forwards set up Bader with a penalty opportunity to snatch the result for the team.

He took careful aim then bisected the uprights from 40 metres out.

Although the time was counting down, the Seasiders still had work to do and only a try-saving tackle from winger Steve Wilson secured a famous victory.

Weymouth skipper Dave Allan said: "That was too close for comfort,but a great win nonetheless.

"Over Christmas we have gone off the boil so we will have to work hard in training to catch up before we play our next league game against Sherborne."