2nd April 2010 - Caroline Mitchell Memorial Cup:

North Petherton II XV 12 v 31 Taunton II XV

Report by Ben Williams

This annual fixture played on Good Friday is usually played by Petherton's 1st XV, but a re-arranged league fixture due to be played the following day meant that the 2nd XV played in their place. Taunton were supposed to field a 3rd XV, which represented the corresponding league fixture, of which Petherton had won both this season. Instead however they selected a very strong 2nd XV containing several 1st XV players making it very hard work for Petherton.

Taunton opened the scoring early on by running the ball through their powerful centres, which created overlaps out wide for them to capitalise on. Petherton did play some good attacking rugby taking the game to Taunton and with the returning Simon Gingell from a serious shoulder injury and number 8 James Lees their lineout was very effective. Taunton scored three further tries finishing the first half 24-0 up and a rout looked on the cards.

At half time Petherton changed their front row with Brown and Burge coming on. This made the scrums a lot more solid providing a better platform for Petherton to play from. Petherton scored the first try of the half through returning scrum half Karl Jarvis after some good open play led to him scoring in the corner. The conversion however was missed. Taunton hit back with a converted try, but Petherton finished the scoring with wing Bradley Archer going over and Mike Stevens adding the extras.

Lots of credit must go to Petherton who continued to play their rugby against a team who are third in the Somerset Premier league, which is two leagues above their current standing.