Pither's 50-yard run clinches it for Pethy Seconds

24/11/07 - Tribute Somerset Three South: North Petherton II 24 v 19 Chard III

Report from the Bridgwater Mercury

North Petherton Seconds nearly let slip a match they appeared to be winning comfortably at Beggars Brook on Saturday.

With their scrum and line-out functioning well, they had built up a 17-0 lead at half time with tries by full-back Archie Walford and wing Lloyd Steward, who converted both, kicked a penalty and hit the post with another attempt.

But Pethy failed to finish off the visitors and, as the home side's play deteriorated, Chard came back with two converted tries, just three points behind.

Straight away, second row Wayne Pither, Petherton's outstanding player, showed great pace to thunder over for a try from 50 metres and Lloyd Steward's conversion put his side two scores ahead.

It was just as well, because Chard came back again, scored an unconverted try ten minutes from time and exerted strong pressure. The final minutes were tense for the home side, but they held out well.

Recent arrival Ben Gregory, a second row or flanker, played at centre and was very solid in his full debut.

H/T: 17-0

Tries: Pither, Walford

Cons: Sutherland-Earl (2)

Pens: Sutherland-Earl

Drop Goals:

Team: 15. Walford, 14. Lloyd Steward, 13. D.Steward (Rep. Luke Williams), 12. Gregory, 11. Powell, 10. Kirk, 9. Stanley, 1. Frost, 2. Kearle, 3. Jennings, 4. Pither, 5. Larry Steward, 6. Harris, 7. Gray, 8. Stevens.