Third Team start their season with an encouraging victory

17/10/09 - Friendly: Somerton II 12 v 24 North Petherton III

Report by Cameron Kirk

Another season begins !!  Unfortunately the downside to what lies ahead this season is that the thirds won’t travel that journey with friend and fellow player Trevor Field. However, with the thought that he’d be watching down on us, Petherton couldn’t wait for that first whistle to blow.  
The squad consists of the same reprobates that played last year but also has some additions, most notably Jason Collard, ex first team hooker.  Unfortunately though he already seems to be in the running for the Nick Rees sponsored “injury award”.

Due to injury, unavailability and more worryingly, commitment, the thirds travelled to Somerton with only 16 players and without recognised props.  However in true third team spirit Clarence Clatworthy and Tim Pike, both back-rowers, took on the duties.....and did so brilliantly for the whole game. 
Although Somerton clearly had the size advantage, Petherton’s ability to run the ball made them dangerous every time they got the ball. 

The Pethy defence was also strong and it was only a matter of time before the thirds would score.  After good hands from the backs had led them to the five yard line, number eight Larry Steward took a great blindside line and crashed through two tackles to score.  After a few beers though it did become seven tackles and from the 22!! 

Although Somerton held an obvious advantage in the scrum, Petherton managed to secure enough ball and the line-outs were also effective.  After a couple of forward passes and knock-ons had cost Petherton good scoring chances, the second try arrived through winger Jason “the Daddy Long Legs” Carter.  As usual, with only 3 strides he was in and over the line from the 22!  Cameron Kirk converted. 

Petherton were now in full flow with twinkle toes Kris Sewell and his centre partner the “southern hemisphere scythe” Brian Stenson making the hard yards in the backs.  In the forwards Larry Steward and his back row colleagues of Phil the “hand off” Hambley and the irrepressible Kev Gray, were influential in everything Petherton produced.   Once again, good hands saw the ball worked across the field and winger Levi Crocker crossed for the third try.  Petherton led 17-0 at half-time but knew that they should have been a lot further ahead.

The second half saw Somerton up their game and their big runners began to make more of an impression.  Petherton held them out though but for some reason could not find the fluidity that they possessed in the first half and the game became scrappy.   Somerton scored to make the score 17 -7.  As the game came to a close Petherton applied more pressure and were rewarded with a try from Brian Stenson.  Cameron Kirk converted.  Somerton scored again with what proved to be the last play of the game.

This was a good start from Petherton but they know there’s a lot to work on.  The outstanding players from a good team performance were Larry Steward, Phil Hambley and Kris Sewell.

Unfortunately last year saw Clarence unable to satisfy the crowd’s need for a drop-goal, so understandably they have moved on..... this year they need to know,will Jason Carter side-step ???   The Somerton contingent held their breath but went home disappointed.

Team:  Tim Pike, Clarence Clatworthy, Jason Collard, Tony Crocker, John Froud, Phil Hambley, Kev Gray, Larry Steward, Kev Rybaruk, Cameron Kirk, Jason Carter, Kris Sewell, Brian Stenson, Levi Crocker, Craig Palmer, Ryan Froud.