Stothert and Pitt 17

Winscombe 10

The lack of rugby over the holiday period due to poor weather saw two evenly-matched teams front up in the forwards and backs.

Ten minutes into the match, full-back Owen Howell collected a high kick and, using all his natural running talent, he broke away after a clever change of direction. With a deft chip over the defence, the subsequent kick by the home full-back was charged down for centre George House to collect and score under the posts, which Howell converted.

Despite having a well-drilled pack using their pick and drive tactic in the loose, Stotherts were finding it hard to penetrate the Winscombe defence. However, persistence paid off and towards the end of the first half the hosts were rewarded with two unconverted pushover tries.

Undeterred, Winscombe drove back and started to dominate the scrums, with the man of the match, number eight Will Foster, showing some neat breaks from the back row. Just before the break, Winscombe were awarded a penalty which Howell converted to make the score 10-10 at the turnaround.

Playing up the slope in the second half, the Winscombe defence was tested from the start, but both forwards and backs were up to the task.

With Winscombe still dominating the scrums, their drive and wheeling was going unrewarded, despite putting Stotherts on the back foot.

A break by Foster on the blind side of a scrum some 20 metres from the line was dashed five metres out and a second attack by the backs saw Howell break free, with support from winger James Flower.

The home defence, however, remained sound and another chance was thwarted. With both teams maintaining a 10-10 score and defending well, a Stothert flanker broke away from a loose maul from a questionable position and ran in under the posts for a converted try to finish the game 17-10, a disappointing score for Winscombe, who showed considerable improvement and played with increased confidence.

On Saturday, Winscombe are at home to Chard (2.30pm). There is a vice presidents' lunch at the Woodborough Inn prior to the match. Call 01934 844167 to make a reservation.