Defence holds out as Pethy gain second away win of the season

01/11/08 - Tribute Somerset Premier: Avon 3 v 10 North Petherton

Report by Sean Kenelly

Weather conditions hampered a fast flowing game for both sides in what was a closely fought game.

It took Petherton 15 minutes to get the journey out of their system then they started to apply pressure resulting in Avon conceding a kickable penalty for full back Tom Williams to duly slot.

Opportunities started to open and good hands put Ben Williams into space but good cover from the full back put an end to the attack.

More pressure and determination from the Pethy 15 resulted in a try by Pethertons young dynamic hooker Sam Williams bashing his way over the line from a break in Avon’s 22. Tom Williams slotted the conversion to make it 10 nil.

Petherton continued to apply pressure and almost scored again when a break came through the middle and Tom Williams had a straight race to the line but was caught by Avon’s speedy young centre.

Weather worsening ball handling became increasingly more difficult resulting in the ball spilling frequently for both side then Petherton conceeded a penalty which Avon slotted making the score 10 3 at half time.

The second half started with the same intensity the first had finished with great pressure from senior player Mike Coles and his second row partner Simon Gingell hitting the kick off’s and rucks with intensity.

The return of second row James Lees for Mike Coles was short lived after what appeared to be a harsh sin binning. With a man down Petherton upped their work rate and covered for the binned player with outstanding work rate from dynamo Mike Taylor who never stopped the whole match and big man Brown stepping up and beyond. Captain Lloyd Williams found himself in a defensive 2 on 1 dead cert try position but made a rare outstanding tackle holding the player up till support arrived.

The whole side defended their line with intensity denying Avon any score and Avon held tight in defence even denying hit man Russ Williams, making his return to the 1st team replacing injured Matt Foad, from breaking through.

Scores remained at 10-3 for the whole of the half.

Tries: S.Williams

Cons: T.Williams

Pens: T.Williams

Drop Goals:

Team: 15. T.Williams, 14. B.Williams, 13. C.Burge, 12. Foad (Rep. R.Williams, 65), 11. Archer, 10. L.Williams, 9. Rybaruk, 1. Angel, 2. S.Williams, 3. H.Brown (Rep. Prescott, 70), 4. Gingell, 5. Coles (Rep. Lees, 45), 6. Taylor, 7. Robinson, 8. M.Brown.