Pethy bounce back from cup disappointment

29/11/08 - Tribute Somerset Premier: Chew Valley 6 v 22 North Petherton

Report by Adam Modrzynski

On a cold on dreary day away from home, Pethy 1st xv seemed quietly confident against their mid table counterparts. Still missing second row James Lees, Bison Mike Coles was yet again called into the pack. In the changing rooms there was a sense of tension and eagerness to get the match underway.

At kick off, Pethy were playing up the hill and receiving the ball. From the off, Pethy seemed far more competitive around the breakdown area and showed that mid-week training had paid off. Pethy soon had the chance to get on the score sheet, but the penalty from wide out was missed by Tom Williams. However, due to some early poor discipline, Chew Valley were given a couple of penalties in front of the posts and Pethy were down by 6 points.

Due to this, Pethy needed to get their game together and after a series of good build up play and text book set pieces Pethy had Chew Valley on the back foot. With a quick switch of direction by fly half Lloyd Williams, Tom Williams joined the line to cross over in the corner for the first try of the game. Tom Williams missed the conversion.

Shortly after the restart, Flanker Ben Tarr went down with an injury and was replaced by Keith Robinson. Yet again, with some great defence by the backs and strong forward play Pethy were in a good position to attack. As the ball spun along the backline a pass which the ref deemed forward gave Chew Valley a scrum on their own 22. Due to some useful scrummaging practice at training on Thursday Pethy always seemed to be on top at these set plays. As Pethy steamed forward, Mike Taylor disrupted the ball the back of the scrum and impressive scrum half Neil Lennox pounced on the loose ball to give Taylor another try for the season, converted by Tom Williams. With only a couple of minutes left Pethy held off the Chew Valley attack to go in at half time 12-6 in front.

The second half started very similar to the first, with Pethy taking control and never looked like they were going to lose their lead.  And apart from a few poor errors Pethy looked as if they should be a few more points ahead. Some great play by centre's Matt Foad and Chris Burge lead to Bradley Archer making yards down the wing and finally bundled into touch just outside the opposition 22.

After a poor line out by Chew Valley and great pressure from the backline Chew Valley gave away a penalty and Captain Lloyd Williams choose the scrum. Pethy were geed up for this scrum and after a great initial hit Pethy started rolling. With speed picking up in the scrum Chew Valley split apart and this led to a Penalty try being given. This try was down to a brilliant forward display and great strength by 1 to 8. Williams converted.

On 60 minutes some changes were made and on came Influential prop Harley Brown and youngster Luke Williams. Modrzynski and Archer departed. The last 15 minutes were still hard fought and Chew Valley still pressed, but nothing to threaten the opposition line. At the final whistle, Pethy were camped down inside the oppositions half and seemed to relax as if they were at home.

After a great all round performance Pethy should be happy with their comeback after a poor performance last week. And roll on next weekend with a top of the table clash away to Burnham.

Adam Modrzynski and Mike Taylor would like to thank Luke Williams for a fantastic journey home and great patience after pub number 7. 

Tries: T.Williams, Taylor, Penalty Try

Cons: T.Williams (2)

Pens: T.Williams

Drop Goals:

Team: 15. T.Williams, 14. B.Williams, 13. C.Burge, 12. Foad, 11. Archer (Rep. Luke Williams, 70), 10. Lloyd Williams, 9. Lennox, 1. Angel, 2. S.Williams, 3. Modrzynski (Rep. H.Brown, 60), 4. Gingell, 5. Coles, 6. Tarr (Rep. Robinson, 10), 7. Taylor, 8. M.Brown.