Pethy overcome old Somerset One rivals MInehead

14/11/09 - Tribute Western Counties West: North Petherton 20 v 3 Minehead Barbarians

Report by Lloyd Williams

This week’s game was sponsored by Wales and West Utilities.

Playing against the elements Pethy got off to a slow start and soon found themselves 3 points down. The first half saw long periods of frantic rugby, which produced many turnovers, counter attacks and even a few clean breaks. But both teams were unable to cross the line for the majority of the first half.

Pethy’s first try came after a sustained period of pressure deep in the opponents half. Captain Williams sent through a neat little chip that was just covered by the visitors wing a meter or so short of the line, but a massive hit by Matt Angel saw the defender tackle back his line, conceding a 5 meter, the pack got the shove on and Matt Brown dived on the ball a the scrum crossed the line, Tom Williams was unable to convert in the windy conditions.

Just before the half time whistle went Matt Ranson crashed over but the ref deemed the ball was held up.

Early in the second half Tom Williams slotted a penalty in front of the post.  Craig Goodwin finished off a great try started by Tom Williams as he broke around a breakdown and continue deep into the visitors 22m area. Tom was successful with the conversion.

The second half Pethy got much control over the game and the visitors rarely threatened in attack, but they determined defence kept Pethy at bay for long periods of time.

With the majority of the possession Pethy began to make a few too many unforced errors and unfortunately they were always in the crucial areas.

After several good backs moves, in which they spread the ball wide quickly. Pethy found themselves camped on the visitor’s line. Pethy‘s last try was scored by Matt Ranson, who was driven over the line by several forwards, Tom Williams was unable to convert.

James Cox and had another good game, as did the rest of the forwards. Craig Goodwin showed good pace and determination to carry the ball into contact flat out. James Carter had a solid game back after many weeks out through a fractured thumb, he formed a good partnership with Dave Hallaran in the centres.

This week Pethy play Taunton in the Somerset Cup at Taunton, gate proceeds are going the Jim Clatworthy Fund, also on the 6th December Pethy are holding a game to raise funds for Jim’s cause. There will be taking on a Presidents invitation side, players based from Bridgwater and Albion, Taunton, Wiviliscombe, Burnham to mention a few.

HT: 5-3

Tries: M.Brown, Goodwin, M.Ranson

Cons: T.Williams

Pens: T.Williams

Drop Goals:

Team: 15. T.Williams, 14. C.Burge, 13. Carter (Rep. Tracey, 55), 12. Hallaran, 11. Goodwin, 10. L.Williams, 9. M.Ranson, 1. Angel, 2. S.Williams, 3. Coles (Rep. Prescott, 70), 4. Cox, 5. Gingell, 6. Tarr (Rep. Pettingell, 70), 7. Taylor, 8. M.Brown.