Inconsistency costs Petherton again

20/10/07 - Tribute Somerset One: Keynsham II 23 v 20 North Petherton

Report from the Bridgwater Mercury

Winger Ben Williams questioned the motivation of his North Petherton team-mates after the disappointing 23-20 defeat at Keynsham 2nds in Tribute Somerset One, saying their minds may have been on watching England's World Cup final later on Saturday.

The home side went 15-0 up as Petherton were frustrated by bad defence and the referee's decisions, including when Williams himself felt hard done by not to be awarded a penalty try.

No 8 James Lees went over for a try just before half-time to give Petherton hope at 15-5 going in to the break, when some strong words were said in the away dressing room.

Keynsham extended the lead to 20-5 before Petherton lifted their game and went over twice.

Russell Williams came on after 50 minutes at centre and his try was converted by Tom Williams.

Five minutes later Lloyd Williams, switched to fly-half, broke through, went round two players and scored an unconverted try, making it 20-20.

Tom Williams missed a penalty from long range as Petherton finally started playing the rugby they knew they could, but the Keynsham fly-half sunk their hearts when he sent a drop goal over the posts from the 22 to win the game and put a major dent in the visitors' promotion hopes.

Lee Hughes stepped in for the late-arriving Simon Gingell and made an encouraging debut.

H/T: 15-5

Tries: Lees, R.Williams, L.Williams

Cons: T.Williams

Pens: T.Williams

Drop Goals:

Team: 15. T.Williams, 14. B.Williams, 13. Havill, 12. L.Williams, 11. Wand, 10. Sutherland-Earl (Rep. R.Williams, 50), 9. Ryburuk, 1. H.Brown, 2. Stone, 3. Webber, 4. Newton (Rep. M.Burge, 55), 5. Hughes (Rep. Gingell, 40), 6. Harvey, 7. M.Brown, 8. Lees.