Chew Colts welcomed Weston Hornets Colts in the National League Cup semi final, this being the teams' third encounter of the season. Conditions were good, firm under foot, while there was a good breeze which Weston had at their backs in the first half.

It was immediately evident that Hornets were determined to get off to a fast start and crossed Chew's try line within a minute of kick off, only for the score to be chalked off for a high tackle in the build up. This was certainly a warning that Hornets would provide a strong challenge. And so it proved.

It was, however, Chew who scored first, in the 18th minute, when Patrick Wring playing 8, peeled off the back of a scrum 10 metres out. He had a lot to do to score, nevertheless, he powered over the line. Seven minutes later, however, Weston registered their first try to bring the scores level.

Chew were glad to take a lead into half time, thanks to another Patrick Wring score. Weston infringed some 10 metres out and Patrick had the presence of mind to take a quick tap penalty, catch Weston back pedalling, and burst over the line for his brace. Zac Radforth added the extras meaning Chew had a 12 v 5 half time lead which felt slender.

For Chew, the game increasingly became a pattern of opposites. Dominance in the scrum, particularly evident when Harley Tremlett came into the front row, as well as strong defence notably at the breakdown where Alfie Lott, in particular, made a menace of himself with highly effective' jackaling'. In stark contrast, Chew consistently lost their line out, thus spurning previously won penalties. In addition, the ball was regularly lost in possession through knock ons and this robbed Chew of momentum and territory. They would have benefited from better bringing their back line, where they had real pace, more into the game but rarely did so.

All the while, Hornets posed a real threat and in the 53rd minute were back on terms with a converted try. At this moment, Hornets had the ascendancy but Chew stood up and retook the lead in the 58th minute when Zac Radforth successfully kicked a penalty. Then, in the 67th minute, Chew made the decisive score with one of the few times they successfully moved the ball through the hands. Patrick Farrar played a key role and looked set to score but, in the face of covering defenders, managed to off load to Joe Brickell who crossed the line. Zac Radforth added the conversion to give Chew a 10 point lead with 3 minutes to go. Hornets did score a deserved try in the dying seconds but Chew held out without further being threatened.

The Colts now face Bridgwater in the National League Final at Lobbingtons on 21 April 2pm kick off. Please be there to support the lads!