Penalties prove costly for Pethy

03/10/09 - Tribute Western Counties West: North Petherton 15 v 26 Truro

Report by Harley Brown

Another nail biting game for the spectators, as Pethy get of to a rough start and were immediately put under pressure, with the visitors claiming a try in the first few minutes, Truro continued with the pressure and took advantage of the penalties Pethy gave away, taking them to 0-10. Pethy had their own chance to get on the score sheet, but replacement kicker Lloyd Williams was just wide with his first attempt.

Pethy pulled them selves together and turned the tables on Truro with some good strong play from the forwards the backs were unleashed, and with several phases put together Pethy were awarded a penalty, that Lloyd Williams elected to kick for the corner. After a driving maul from a line out, Sam Williams went over the line to score. Lloyd Williams looked very relaxed with his conversion from the touchline, bring Pethy to 7-10.

Sam Williams score another try in the first half, after Prop Matt Angel made a brilliant break, which was continued on by several players, ending with Sam crashing over then line. 12-10.

Lloyd Williams narrowly missed a conversion kick form far out. Pethy forwards continued to dominate, and had several strong pushes up the park, but unfortunately just before half time Pethy conceded too many silly penalties. In doing so they ended up losing possession, Pethy defended well while Truro continued to head for the try line, and after several attempts the best they could come away with was two more penalties.

Lloyd Williams had a penalty attempt from the half way line to end the half, unfortunately it just fell short and Truro kicked for touch to end the first half.

Truro must have had a good talking to at half time as they came out fast and hungry for the ball. Pethy had an early chance of their own to score, but elected to kick for the corner, with an ideal position the drive was on, but a poor lineout allowed the visitors to go on the counter, and they broke with speed. Luckily they only came away with a penalty, when a try looked likely.

They immediately put Pethy under pressure again, there centre seeming to carve through Pethy's back line, eventually made a break and got the ball away for another try which was converted. 12-26.
Pethy stepped up to the mark, there were several interrupted phases due to injuries, which began to slow the game down. After a session of close range drives, a loss pass went Truro's no 10, the crowed held there breath as Pethy back peddled to defend the onslaught from the attacking backs, but the defence held and Pethy relieved pressure. Shortly after this Lloyd Williams slotted another penalty 15 – 26.

Pethy continued the surge and for the last 20 minutes looking dangerous all the time, one highlight was a massive 30m push from deep in Pethy’s own half, which was pulled down, much to the spectator’s dismay. Sam Williams was set free on another massive run, if only the ball had been infront of him, as he juggled with the ball behind him he had to stop to recover the ball, allowing the opposition time to recover.

There were several promising phases of play which all could have ended in the try that Pethy needed to take get back into the game, but there were either referee's decisions that went the wrong way, that could have gone either way really, or good defence from Truro, that got in the way.

The game ended with Pethy camped in Truro's half and the ball being kicked in to touch, a close game, Pethy should take the positives from this match and apply them next week.

HT: 12-16

Tries: S.Williams (2)

Cons:

Pens: L.Williams (2)

Drop Goals:

Team: 15. T.Williams, 14. L.Williams, 13. Chris Burge, 12. Webber, 11. Goodwin (Rep. Tracey, 62), 10. Hallaran, 9. M.Ranson, 1. Angel, 2. S.Williams, 3. Modrzynski, 4. Gingell, 5. Pettingell, 6. McNeillie (Rep. Prescott, 55), 7. Taylor, 8. M.Brown. Rep Unused: Tew