Second team lose a typically hard fought derby at Morgs

25/11/06 - Somerset Three South: Morganians 5 v 0 North Petherton II

Report from the Bridgwater Mercury

Despite the lack of points, this local derby at Chedzoy Lane was an entertaining game with no quarter given by either side. Morgs were without captain Paul Goddard and influential No.8 Roy Grimstead, but Ewan Hyde and Matt Bell, who replaced them, did themselves proud.

Although Pethy were bolstered by including ex-first team forwards Mark Innalls, Steve Sullivan, and Steve Stone, the heavier home pack were quick to assert their authority and had the edge in the scrums.

This advantage led to the only score, when fly-half Matt Coates touched down after a flowing move courtesy of quick ball provided by his forwards.

The remainder of the half was fought out in midfield by two committed teams - Pethy skipper Mike Chillingworth said that it was the hardest game physically that he had been involved in for years.

Morgs began the second half still with the upper hand, but were thwarted by outstanding defence from the visitors, who thought they had scored when when winger Chris Wand broke to send Innalls over, but the pass was adjudged forward.

Despite what was probably Pethy Seconds' best performance of the season, Morgs deserved their victory, as they kept their composure at all times. They enjoyed a 20 minute spell on the Petherton line with a series of penalties and scrums, but were kept out.

Morgs' hard work, commitment, and enterprise was typified by prop Jeremy McBain, who was outstanding throughout. Chillingworth did not want to single out one Petherton player, naming his whole team as men of the match.