Wand magic seals Petherton victory

08/12/07 - Friendly: North Petherton XV 16 v 12 Somerton

Report from the Bridgwater Mercury

A North Petherton XV won an entertaining encounter against Somerton 16-12, despite some strong second-half pressure by their opponents.

With no league action for any of the Petherton teams on Saturday, the home side sent out a mixture of 2nd and 3rd team players.

Petherton played with the elements in their favour in the first half, including a strong breeze, but due to taking wrong options and knock-ons they were unable to cross Somerton's line.

Their only scores of the first half came from two Tom Stanley penalties, putting them 6-0 ahead.

Despite playing against the wind and slope in the second half, Petherton managed to score tries from flanker Andy Agar and scrum-half Chris Wand.

Agar's was a solo effort from 15 yards out, when he broke through three tackles to score an unconverted try in the corner and make it 11-0.

Somerton's backs began to look more dangerous and they hit back with a fine team try that was converted, bringing them back to 11-7.

Ten minutes from time Wand scored from five yards out after Lee Hughes had been stopped just short of the line following some good work by both the forwards and backs.

Although Petherton made wholesale changes, they hung on for an excellent victory against their Somerset Two South opponents, who again hit back with another well-worked try through their backs to make it 16-12.

Petherton's scrum was outstanding and second rows Lee Hughes and Ben Green and Agar all had fine games.

In the second half Petherton handed a debut to back row Sam Bawtree, a student from Cannington College, and after an impressive start he looks a good prospect.

The match, which went ahead despite heavy overnight and morning rain, was played in good spirit and involved a lot of good running rugby.

H/T: 6-0

Tries: Agar, Wand

Cons:

Pens: Stanley (2)

Drop Goals:

Team: 15. Luke Williams, 14. Habberfield (Rep. Bussell, 40), 13. Pearn (Rep, S.Gallagher, 40), 12. Wand, 11. Ladd (Rep. Rae, 60), 10. Kirk, 9. Stanley, 1. A.Williams (Rep. Frost, 60), 2. Kearle (Rep. Steve, 55), 3. G.Coles (Rep. Glanville, 40), 4. Hughes, 5. Green (Rep. Stone, 50), 6. Clatworthy (Rep. Bawtree, 40), 7. Agar, 8. Pike (Rep. Harris, 40).