Pethy return to winning ways

17/10/09 - Tribute Western Counties West: North Petherton 33 v 10 Bude

Report by Lloyd Williams

With 6 players returning to the squad who were unavailable the previous week, including Jonathan Dicker who had his first call up this season, this combined with 6 positional changes from the previous week, and a poor numbers at training this week, it was going to be another learning by doing on the pitch.

Within minutes playing down the pitch Pethy found themselves struggling to keep with the pace of the visitors, who seemed out to impress early on. It wasn’t long before the visitors slotted a penalty. Pethy soon got only the score sheet as Tom slotted an easy penalty in front of the posts. After soaking up pressure for a period again, Tom slotted another easy penalty. 6 – 3.
The remained of the first half was mainly dominated by Pethy, in which they throw the ball around with much more confidence, the forwards began to really work in the lose and maintained possession a long with gaining territory.

In a period of pressure brought on by some long range penalty kicks by capt Lloyd Williams, as the visitors began to concede more and more penalties. Matt Brown scored of a push over scrum and Matt Ranson crashed his way through to score after several close range drives by the forwards. Pethy were unlucky not to score another try or two, but at the same time had to show some fierce defend to stop the visitors from getting on the score sheet themselves.

Second half tries came early on through Matt Angel and then mid way through the second half through Craig Goodwin. With Capt Williams back at 10 at half time, after Dave Hallaran had to go off, due to a knock to the head he took mid way through the first half, it wasn’t long before the dummy was shown to an unorganised defence and he was away, James Lees in close support took on the charge, deep into the visitors 22m, after a couple more phases Angel crashed over from close range.

Goodwin’s try came after some get inter play, which took the ball up the pitch, as it entered the visitor 22m  it was send wide, still with lots to do, Goodwin hit the line at pace, beat several players through both pace and power, dived over in the corner, a great way to celebrate his birthday. Tom Williams was unable to convert either try.

The last 15-20mins of the match became scrappy, as both teams conceded too many penalties and the speed of the game increased even more. But neither team could get into a pattern, Pethy had their chances to score, but it didn’t quite happen.

Pethy showed a solid defence for 70mins of game, one slip lead to the try. But good communication and support play made for an entertaining game. Excellent team spirit and attitude throughout, especially from players carrying injuries and illnesses like Modrzynski, Angel, Pettingell, et al. Pethy looked dangerous any where on the park when they ran the ball and played as a team. Let’s hope availabilities don’t affect this weekend’s match as much as they did 2 weeks ago.

HT: 23-3

Tries: M.Brown, M.Ranson, Angel, Goodwin

Cons: T.Williams (2)

Pens: T.Williams (3)

Drop Goals:

Team: 15. L.Williams, 14. Tracey, 13. T.Williams, 12. Webber, 11. Goodwin, 10. Hallaran (Rep. Adams, 40), 9. M.Ranson, 1. Modrzynski (Rep. Sellick, 65), 2. Angel, 3. Prescott, 4. Lees (Rep. Dicker, 60), 5. Gingell, 6. M.Brown, 7. Taylor, 8. Pettingell.