Weston concede cup tie to Clifton

Weston-super-Mare have pulled out of tonight's Charles Saunders Combination Cup clash with holders Clifton because of an injury crisis.

The withdrawal means Clifton are the second club to advance straight to the quarter-finals without kicking a ball since the decision was taken to play all eight first round games at the Portway Development Centre on consecutive Tuesdays.

Old Redcliffians also scratched from the tournament, citing front row availability problems for their scheduled meeting with Clevedon.

In the two matches played to date, Avonmouth defeated Bristol Harlequins and Keynsham last week edged out St Mary's.

The next game due to be staged at the Portway will see Thornbury and Hornets meet on October 13 (7.30pm).

Weston, meanwhile, moved three places up National Three South West thanks to a much-needed 28-22 home win over Chippenham, hooker David Burge sealing the points with a late try.

Replacement Nathan Huntley was the hero as Cleve edged a real thriller at Maidenhead, landing a tricky penalty with the last kick of the game for a 13-12 triumph.

Coach Craig Short was delighted with a third win on the road and was even more pleased with the fact that his side never gave up.

Long trips in South West One West were in vain for St Mary's and Avonmouth, who went down narrowly at Ivybridge and Cullompton, respectively, while Yatton were beaten at Chosen Hill.

Clevedon, meanwhile, lost at home to Brixham with only tries from Rory Biggins and Ben Chase to show for their efforts.

North Bristol entertain Barton Hill tonight (7.30pm) in the Gloucestershire area quarter-finals of RFU Intermediate Cup. The winners will be away to Berry Hill or Old Centralians.