NPRFC - 1st XV vs Burnham-on-Sea

A game that was a great advert for Western counties rugby played with all that is best about two local rivals determined for bragging rights. Petherton went in to this game confident after last week's emphatic victory but respectful and cautious of a Burnham side that lay above them in the league.

Burnham won the toss and chose to play the first half with the strong wind behind them. In the early stages they tested out Petherton's defence with high kicks and out wide. Petherton withstood the early pressure and began to move the ball up field and in the 11th minute were awarded a penalty on the 22 in front of the posts, giving a kicker of Sam Williams' ability a simple three points. Burnham responded immediately and in the space of six minutes had two kickable penalties. The full back however, was only successful with one of them. Petherton were responsible for their own downfall as errors crept into their game either by misjudged kicks or slackness at the breakdown. All the play remained in the Pethy 22 with Burnham pounding the try line and in 33rd minute a clear penalty try was awarded as dynamic number eight Matt Brown infringed and was sent to the bin! Petherton failed to learn their lesson and in 37th minute conceded another try out wide, which was skilfully converted.

The half-time score of 17-3 made the team talk lively from Tito Elisara and John Evans. The break gave the players the opportunity to refocus and organise the second half game plan. The heated discussion had an immediate effect and in the 44th minute Matt Brown made up for his earlier indiscretion and scored in the corner. The next 15 minutes was stalemate but with Petherton in the ascendancy and just failing to capitalise on their hard work. The reinforced teamwork ethos kept the spirits alive and cheered on by a boisterous crowd Petherton refused to give in and in the 60th minute ever dependable Tom Williams slotted over a penalty reducing the arrears 17-11. The resulting restart then produced what is arguably the best sequence of play Petherton have shown this season. Prescott caught the ball at his ankles, took the contact and the ball switched from left to right with all the backs involved. McNellie who impressed everyone in his new winger role committed the Burnham backs before it was shipped back to the right where it found Cox whose superbly timed pass put Gibbs into space. The powerhouse back rower, in front of the Pethy supporters, went on a 45 yard rampage brushing off three tacklers before returning the compliment and drawing the helpless full back to put in Cox who deservedly dotted down under the posts. Tom Williams converted the extras. Petherton who were now in the lead for the first time since the 15th minute continued to play attacking rugby as did Burnham who continued to drive strongly. In the 78th minute Burnham who were still trying to attack from their own line gave away a penalty and Williams effortlessly slotted it over to give a final score of 17-21.

A fine game of rugby played by both sides, however disappointing for Burnham, was dictated by the strong wind blowing straight down the pitch and ensured that all but 3 of 38 points were scored at one end and a grandstand finish.

This is Petherton's second win in the last week and the challenge for them is hard work at training and 3 consecutive victories for the first time this season. Next week Petherton are at home to Newquay Hornets on Saturday and have a home game against Taunton on Sunday in the Somerset Cup.

		5th February 2011 - Tribute Western Counties West: Burnham-on-Sea 17 v 21 North Petherton Report by Simon Freeman A game that was a great advert for Western counties rugby played with all that is best about two local rivals determined for bragging rights. Petherton went in to this game confident after last week's emphatic victory but respectful and cautious of a Burnham side that lay above them in the league. Burnham won the toss and chose to play the first half with the strong wind behind them. In the early stages they tested out Petherton's defence with high kicks and out wide. Petherton withstood the early pressure and began to move the ball up field and in the 11th minute were awarded a penalty on the 22 in front of the posts, giving a kicker of Sam Williams' ability a simple three points. Burnham responded immediately and in the space of six minutes had two kickable penalties. The full back however, was only successful with one of them. Petherton were responsible for their own downfall as errors crept into their game either by misjudged kicks or slackness at the breakdown. All the play remained in the Pethy 22 with Burnham pounding the try line and in 33rd minute a clear penalty try was awarded as dynamic number eight Matt Brown infringed and was sent to the bin! Petherton failed to learn their lesson and in 37th minute conceded another try out wide, which was skilfully converted. The half-time score of 17-3 made the team talk lively from Tito Elisara and John Evans. The break gave the players the opportunity to refocus and organise the second half game plan. The heated discussion had an immediate effect and in the 44th minute Matt Brown made up for his earlier indiscretion and scored in the corner. The next 15 minutes was stalemate but with Petherton in the ascendancy and just failing to capitalise on their hard work. The reinforced teamwork ethos kept the spirits alive and cheered on by a boisterous crowd Petherton refused to give in and in the 60th minute ever dependable Tom Williams slotted over a penalty reducing the arrears 17-11. The resulting restart then produced what is arguably the best sequence of play Petherton have shown this season. Prescott caught the ball at his ankles, took the contact and the ball switched from left to right with all the backs involved. McNellie who impressed everyone in his new winger role committed the Burnham backs before it was shipped back to the right where it found Cox whose superbly timed pass put Gibbs into space. The powerhouse back rower, in front of the Pethy supporters, went on a 45 yard rampage brushing off three tacklers before returning the compliment and drawing the helpless full back to put in Cox who deservedly dotted down under the posts. Tom Williams converted the extras. Petherton who were now in the lead for the first time since the 15th minute continued to play attacking rugby as did Burnham who continued to drive strongly. In the 78th minute Burnham who were still trying to attack from their own line gave away a penalty and Williams effortlessly slotted it over to give a final score of 17-21. A fine game of rugby played by both sides, however disappointing for Burnham, was dictated by the strong wind blowing straight down the pitch and ensured that all but 3 of 38 points were scored at one end and a grandstand finish. This is Petherton's second win in the last week and the challenge for them is hard work at training and 3 consecutive victories for the first time this season. Next week Petherton are at home to Newquay Hornets on Saturday and have a home game against Taunton on Sunday in the Somerset Cup.

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