James keeps his nerve to settle thriller

FLY-half James Mackay converted George Wright’s try from the touchline deep into injury time as Weston-super-Mare grabbed a 32-31 home win over Barnstaple in National Three South West.

The successful kick maintained Mackay’s 100 per cent record – two conversions and six penalties – for a personal haul of 22 points, helping get the home side out of jail after victory appeared to have slipped out of their grasp.

Weston led 22-12 on the hour and looked to be coasting to the points only for Barnstaple to take advantage of the yellow carding of winger Paul Sprague.

Two converted tries followed in quick succession as the visitors surged 26-22 ahead, only for Weston to finally take charge in the final moments.

The home side’s first try was an interception effort by winger Steve Thompson.

Cleve went down at newly-promoted Hartpury College, who continued their superb form since joining the south-west leagues, cruising to a 66-0 success.

Newly-promoted

Flanker Richard Walker and centre Oli James marked their debuts with first-half tries while full-back Craig Owen also touched down twice as Reds turned around 22-8 ahead.

The home side sat back slightly in the second half but a score from hooker Liam McCreight plus two penalties from 17-year-old fly-half Ashley Groves, who also slotted a first half conversion, ensured a comfortable win for Reds, with tighthead Jack Morse coming off the bench for an encouraging debut.

Avonmouth slipped 17-10 at Camborne, where play was halted for 50 minutes because of a neck injury to debutant Ryan Clarke.

The No 8 was taken to Truro Hospital but was given the all-clear in time to return to Bristol on the team bus.

Clarke’s loss led to scrum-half Sean Leadbeater being moved into the back row and former Southmead number nine Connor Power making his debut while Avonmouth were further disrupted by the 50th minute yellow-carding of lock Harry Hone for not releasing.

The visitors had earlier made a bright start, winger Mike Gaston – a summer recruit from Thornbury – forcing his way over for a second minute try, while Andy Taylor put centre Sam Thompson over for a touchdown before Camborne took charge.

Late tries from No 8 Harvey Russell, a Chris Caites interception and lock Ryan Smith came as precious little consolation to