21/11/09 - Friendly: North Petherton 21 v 14 Cheddar

Report by Cameron Kirk

Despite atrocious weather conditions the crowd were left thoroughly entertained after an excellent game of rugby. This game saw the return of Nick Smith and a rare outing for Mark “Stick” Innalls.

Once again Petherton had front row problems but thanks to Sam Williams and flanker Mark Stevens the game was able to start with contested scrums.

Cheddar chose to play with the elements and started the game brightly but good defence kept them out. Petherton grew into the game and were unlucky not to get on the score sheet after some good interplay between Sam Williams and Brian Stenson took them to the five yard line but a knock on saw the opportunity spurned. Sam Williams was also involved when his deft kick was collected by Cameron Kirk but he was unable to get his pass away. Despite edging the territory Petherton fell behind when a Cheddar forward was allowed to evade three tackles. Petherton struck back almost immediately when centre Kris Sewell made an excellent break up the line and finished from just inside the 22. Nick Smith converted. Cheddar scored again right on half-time when Petherton spilled a kick near their try-line, the conversion saw them take a 14 – 7 lead.

Playing with the elements in the second half Petherton had the majority of possession and were unfortunate on several occasions not to score. As the weather worsened it became harder to hold onto the ball and some good passages of play ended with the ball being spilled. Centre Stuart Pearn was next to score after some good hands saw him make a great break down the line, Cameron Kirk converted. Steve Potter fielded a couple of defensive kicks and his return punts kept the pressure on Cheddar. Petherton were now running everything and a planned move saw Cameron Kirk and Stuart Pearn only thwarted by some great defence. In the other corner Stick made a good break but it was clear that time out of the game had not hampered his ability to throw a 100 mph pass when the intended catcher is a yard away!!

Petherton’s final try came from replacement centre Mike Stevens when he picked a great line to score under the posts, Cameron Kirk converted.

Stuart Pearn had an excellent game in the centre.

Jason Carter update – straight running.

Team: Mark Stevens, Sam Williams, Jason Collard, Tony Crocker, Clarence Clatworthy, Kev Gray, Brian Stenson, Tim Pike, Kev Rybaruk, Cameron Kirk, Jason Carter, Kris Sewell, Stuart Pearn, Levi Crocker, Nick Smith, Mike Stevens, Matt Rose, Sean Jones, Mark Innalls, Bill Frost, Steve Potter, Graham Pearn.