Late Tom Williams penalty snatches a much needed victory

06/10/07 - Tribute Somerset One: North Petherton 16 v 15 Broad Plain

Report from the Bridgwater Mercury

A penalty goal by full-back Tom Williams two minutes from time enabled Petherton to end the 100% record of second-placed Broad Plain at Beggars Brook on Saturday.

With yet another poor build-up, the home side were much changed. Pete Kingston had pulled a hamstring in training , while Kyle Prescott strained his knee during the warm-up and had to move to the bench.

There was not one specialist centre available in the club, so flanker Matt Brown partnered Lloyd Williams, with veteran Mark Sutherland-Earl at No 10.

The visitors elected to play up the slope and Pethy were soon having to defend, holding Plain up after they had crossed their line. The home team used Brown as the main ball-carrier in the backs, while Plain stuck to a kick-and-chase tactic.

Pethy scored the only try of the game, from an excellent build-up, in which the forwards ran off Sutherland-Earl for several phases. Kevin Rybaruk, Lloyd Williams and Brown were all involved before flanker Simon Gingell galloped over the line. Tom Williams converted.

Not for the first game, Pethy began to concede penalties round the breakdown and before they knew it, the visitors' reliable fly-half had slotted three penalties, while Tom Williams missed one narrowly. However, he was successful with another kick to put his side 10-9 up at the interval.

In the second half, the sides continued to defend well. A concern for Pethy was lack of ball from the line-out. However, their scrum was excellent, once or twice pushing Plain off the ball.

A penalty for offside edged the visitors back in front, then Lloyd Williams missed with a penalty attempt. Another home penalty was kicked to the corner and Lloyd Williams dropped a goal to make it 13-12 with about 15 minutes left.

An opposition drop-goal attempt was well charged down by Tom Williams, who hacked it downfield and sprinted past the last man. He was about to gather the ball for a certain try when he was tap-tackled without it. The referee did not see the offence.

Soon afterwards, Plain's fifth penalty put them two points ahead. This sparked strong pressure by the home side, whose last chance appeared to be at a line-out inside the Plain half.

Eventually, they were awarded a penalty and Tom Williams held his nerve to slot it over.

The visitors had a scrum with the last play off the game and the home forwards produced one last, huge drive to push them into touch and seal victory.

For the second week running, flanker Keith Robinson was outstanding in defence and Tom Williams also defended well under a constant barrage.

In one of the lightest, but most mobile packs selected so far this season, Matt Burge had an outstanding match especially in the scrum.

H/T: 10-9

Tries: Gingell

Cons: T.Williams

Pens: T.Williams (2)

Drop Goals: L.Williams

Team: 15. T.Williams, 14. B.Williams, 13. M.Brown, 12. L.Williams, 11. Archer, 10. Sutherland-Earl, 9. Ryburuk, 1. M.Burge, 2. Glanville (Rep. Long, 60), 3. Webber, 4. Pocock, 5. Harvey, 6. Gingell, 7. Robinson, 8. Lees. Rep (not used) 17. Prescott