5th March 2011 - Tribute Western Counties West:

Exeter Saracens 17 v North Petherton 19

Report by Matt Angel

Pethy travelled the short journey down the M5 to Exeter Saracens with a few first team players unavailable and club captain Matt Angel pulling up in the warm up due to a knock in a mid week training session. Pethy starting the game poorly conceding a try after only 2 minutes following good attacking play by Exeter. The conversion made it 7-0.

Straight from the kick off a knock back by Arron Gibbs was knocked on and a Pethy player picked up from an offside position giving Exeter a penalty. A catch and drive from the lineout by Exeter resulted in a Pethy scrum. Gibbs opted for a pick and drive but gave away a penalty for not releasing. A chip through by Exeter gave them a 5m lineout which Pethy knocked on giving Exeter a scrum 5m out. However, good defence allowed Pethy to steal the ball and clear their lines. Some great play by the Pethy forwards and backs gave them some momentum forcing a lineout just outside the Exeter 22m, however the opportunity was lost.

Exeter then turned on the style, turning over Petherton and after a series of moves they scored in the corner.The successful conversion made it 14-0 after twenty minutes.

Pethy regrouped and started to to apply some pressure on the Exeter side and they got back into the game through Gibbs who scored in the corner after making a 50-yard break. A good catch and drive from the kick off resulted in Pethy forcing Exeter to give away a penalty. A good lineout and hit up in mid field by Matt Ranson gave Pethy a great platform. Pethy deservedly scored next after a interception in midfield by big burly centre Dave Hallaran making 14-12 after 32 minutes. A great take from Simon Gingell at the restart and some good interplay between George Pettingell and Harley Brown took Pethy to just short of Exeter line.

The 2nd half started with Pethy getting turned over on the halfway line from a scrum. Exeter attacked and were turned over 15 metres short of the line. From the resulting scrum Lloyd Williams was able to kick clear. Exeter continued to attack again and forced Petherton to concede a penalty in front of the posts. The successful kick increased the home side's lead 17-12.

Pethy stuck to their game plan and worked their way upfield forcing Exeter to give a way a 5m scrum. No 8 Gibbs picked up and became unstoppable to score again and with the conversion successful by Sam Williams Pethy took the lead for the 1st time. Straight from kick off James Cox was taken out in the air. Pethy kicked to the corner to keep the home side back in their own half. Petherton used their replacements sending on man moutain Mike Coles and srum half Pearce to keep the momentum going. Pethy camped themselves in their opponents half but just couldn’t add any further points to ease the pressure.

The last few minutes saw Exeter throw everything at Pethy but strong defence from Williams and Potter saved the day. The final whistle blew to the relief of all the players and another excellent victory was recorded.

Final Score: Exeter Saracens 17 North Petherton 19