20/02/10 - Friendly: Cheddar 0 v 7 North Petherton III

Report by Cameron Kirk

Petherton came into this match without a game since the end of November and the lay-off certainly showed. This week had seen both Castle Cary 2nds and Frome 4ths cancel a game in the same week. Although Petherton had lost the opportunity of a home outing, Cheddar were looking to swap a fixture and Pethy jumped at the chance. Unfortunately travelling away, late cry-offs and second team requirements had caused a few problems with numbers but Petherton went with the required 15 players. However despite requesting the change of weekend Cheddar only had 13 (this proved to be crucial in the outcome). In the nature of third team rugby Petherton included Brian “the Irish Rover” Gowen, a local who is looking to get into social rugby and John Trevarthen, Sean Jones’ neighbour. It also saw the return from hiding of Shady Hines....as stated on the day “the FBI will find Bin Laden before they find him”!!

Front row problems continue to blight the third team and this week it was flanker Mark Stevens who won the raffle!! To be fair he volunteered. Petherton had other problems in the forwards and wingers Shady Hines and Sean Jones had to fill the two flanking positions. Despite Petherton having the superior numbers it was clear from the outset that Cheddar were physically the bigger team. Petherton’s game plan had to be to keep the ball alive but this was going to be harder than it looked.

Unfortunately there wasn’t an appointed referee and this caused problems. The breakdown became a lottery and Petherton couldn’t seem to get it away from any contact. To their credit Cheddar’s defence was strong and they made two excellent tackles on centre Mike Stevens. Petherton’s lineout worked well and the scrums were strong however they struggled all day in the loose and the ball was constantly held up or turned over. With some big runners Cheddar looked dangerous on several occasions and only a great cover tackle from Kev Gray and Mike Stevens kept them out.

Petherton were glad to see half-time as constant questioning of decisions and arguing had upset their focus to play and have fun.

Petherton continued to push for the elusive score in the second half. Mike Stevens once again was the player who looked most dangerous and his defence was also impeccable. With 10 minutes to go Mike eventually broke through and crossed the line. However confusion reigned as the simmering tension spilled over amongst the forwards. At one point it looked as though Mike was going to throw the ball down however his mind was quickly changed. Unfortunately the next few minutes were a bit of shambles but the score stood. Mike kicked the conversion as Cameron Kirk was involved in lengthy discussions with the referee. The question was asked as to whether Petherton would continue but they they decided to see out the last few minutes and only some big tackles from Stevens and Nick Rees managed to keep Cheddar out.

The team battled well against a strong Cheddar outfit and Craig Palmer, Kris Sewell and Kev Gray all had good games however Mike Stevens was man of the match.

New boy Brian “thinks” he enjoyed himself as he took a knock in a tackle and couldn’t remember the game. John Trevarthen was too tired to respond.

Team: Rob Kearle, Jason Collard, Mark Stevens, John Trevarthen, Clarence Clatworthy, Steve Hines, Sean Jones, Kev Gray, Nick Rees, Cameron Kirk, Kris Sewell, Mike Stevens, Matt Rose, Brian Gowen, Craig Palmer.