PENZANCE and Newlyn’s first away game ended in defeat as a strong Weston-super-Mare side ran out comfortable winners in North Somerset.

The visitors travelled having saw off Cullompton 53-0 in their opener, but on the home side’s 150th anniversary celebrations, it was the hosts who got off to a flying start.

Three tries early in the game for ‘Weston’, including an opener for wing Hayden Main who went on to secure a hat-trick, was not the ideal start for the Pirates.

Even at half-time it was not much better with a scoreline reading 35-7, but with an uplift in performance the second half was much improved, and a four-try bonus point was ultimately much deserved.

Playing at scrum-half, the versatile Sam Cahill scored two tries in the match, besides slotting four conversions, and the Pirates other try-scorers were full-back Ben Wragg, centre Josh Semmens, and wing Jack Keogh.

There was better news for the seconds who won 36-17 at their Penryn counterparts.

Penzance and Newlyn’s next game is at home to Wadebridge Camels on Saturday (3pm).

Reflecting on the game, head coach Murray Westren said: “Last week’s win was a good one to get under the belt, but we were also realistic to know that much tougher games lie ahead, as it quickly proved against a very able Weston outfit.

“It was important that we recovered from a poor start and ultimately showed some character, which we pleasingly did, and playing some very good rugby in the process.”

PENZANCE AND NEWLYN: Ben Wragg, Joey Norways, Josh Semmens, Rhys Brownfield, Jack Keogh, Oscar Marr (captain), Sam Cahill; Dec Prowse, Wes Eddy, Joe Best, Ben Martin, Nick Nowell, Sam Carroll, Jude Hardy, Archie Pilcher. Replacements: Dylan Arthur, Zak Chenoweth, Harris Eddy.

Penzance and Newlyn man-of-the-match: Sam Carroll.