Weston-super-Mare rugby club will enter Saturday’s final match of the Regional 2 Tribute Ale South West season with promotion already secured. Sitting 17 points ahead of second-placed Tiverton, the league champions have dominated all season.
Marking its 150th anniversary, the club is on the verge of another milestone: completing the season unbeaten. However, visitors Crediton have other plans and will look to spoil the celebrations. Interestingly, Crediton finished as runners-up in the Regional 2 League, just behind Topsham.
Crediton hosted Weston-super-Mare in the season opener, where despite Crediton’s early pressure, Weston emerged victorious with a close 28-24 win. The club confirmed their league title and promotion with a commanding 40-17 home win over Okehampton, scoring six tries — four of which were credited to Tongan-born No.8 Nasili Ikahihifo.
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Centre Marcus Nel, who rejoined Weston this season from Clifton, shared his thoughts: “Securing promotion brought us closer to the next goal. We have one final game, and there’s a big target on that for us. The season isn’t over yet. This club is like a family — warm, welcoming, and familiar, which made coming back an easy decision.”
Weston has amassed an impressive 105 league points, scoring 1001 points while conceding just 339. Their points difference nearly doubles that of their nearest rivals, fueled by a try-scoring bonus point in every match.
Club captain Charlie Brabham, preparing for his 50th first-team appearance on Saturday, noted, “Every week has been a challenge and different from the last. The hard work from the coaching staff and players has been key. With only two weekly training sessions, we focus intently on detail, video analysis, and preparation to stay sharp.”
Director of Rugby Mark Matthews highlighted the club-wide energy created by the team’s success. “Our first team has benefited enormously from the support and competition within the second and third teams. The squad mentality has been fantastic. This success wasn’t by chance — it traces back to when Steve Worrall returned as head coach in November 2024. Sadly, Steve passed away in January 2025, but his vision shaped the structure that helped us grow. Coaches Jon Bamsey and Darren Crompton have carried that legacy forward.”
Celebrating the club’s 150th year with outstanding results adds significant pride, but Matthews emphasizes the season isn’t over until the final whistle against Crediton.
Weston’s second team will compete away against Chard 2nd XV in Counties 3 Tribute Ale Somerset South, while the third team hosts Morganians in Counties 4 Tribute Ale Somerset South.
Several Weston players — George Talbot, Nasili Ikahihifo, Jacob Cox, Alex Howman, and Hayden Main — have earned spots in Somerset’s initial training squad for the 2026 Bill Beaumont Senior Men’s County Championship. Somerset’s Division 2 Pool 3 campaign kicks off on May 16 against Devon at Brixham RFC, followed by a home game against Buckinghamshire at Taunton’s Summerfield Stadium on May 23. Both matches begin at 2:30 pm.