Seconds lose out to late converted try

27/09/08 - Tribute Somerset Three South: Chard III 20 v 18 North Petherton II

Report by Lloyd Steward

Boosted by the return of their talismanic Captain Larry Steward, Petherton felt optimistic about achieving a very tough victory away at Chard. It turned out to be a superb match which had everything; tries, missed opportunities, and yellow cards. Petherton were totally dominant from the start and applied immense pressure on Chard's defence. It was not long before Chard committed a penalty offence just outside of their 10 meter line, which Lloyd Steward duly knocked over to give Pethy an early lead.

Petherton did not let up after that and a superb box kick by scrum-half Neil Lennox bounced kindly into the hands of winger Lloyd Steward, giving him the space to run in the try from the half-way line. With the conversion successful Pethy then had a healthy 10-0 lead.

Further Chard indiscipline led to another penalty being awarded, which Lloyd Steward again converted. The half time score reflected Petherton’s efforts with them leading 13-0.

The second half was a different story however, as Chard stepped up their attack and scored two quick unconverted tries and a penalty to bring themselves level. From being in such a strong position, Petherton were now tiring and on the ropes. Captain Steward rallied his troops for a final effort and they showed great heart and determination to score a try in the corner. The conversion was missed and Petherton knew that the game was far from over.

The final blow was dealt with two minutes remaining on the clock when Chard crashed over the try line, and with the conversion was scored, Pethy were behind for the first time in the match with not enough time left to hit back.

The whole team played superbly with Larry Steward, Adam Modrzynski, Dan Rood, Nick Pocock, Adie Harris and Dave Hill all putting their bodies on the line and refusing to take a backward step against an aggressive home side. The forwards smashed Chard in the set piece and were excellently marshaled by influential scrum-half Neil Lennox, who has really added a new dimension to this improving Petherton team. The backs were also in fine form with Mark Sutherland-Earl, Dan Steward, and Chris Powell stopping anything that came through their channel.

H/T: 0-13

Tries: Lloyd Steward (2)

Cons: Lloyd Steward

Pens: Lloyd Steward (2)

Drop Goals: