19th March 2011 - Tribute Western Counties West:

North Petherton 38 v 10 Tavistock

Match Sponsored By: BillFrost and Frost Paving

Match Ball Sponsored By: Mike Tracy of MH Joinery

Report by Simon Freeman

Petherton players and supporters were left feeling disappointed at the final whistle as the free flowing rugby experienced in recent weeks failed to materialise. Petherton scored six tries and scored 38 points against a team fighting for survival in the Western Counties League which demonstrates the standards they have set themselves.

The first fifteen minutes were non eventful with both sets of players firing in to each other but cancelling each other out. Petherton conceded two early kickable penalties but with the visiting number ten misfiring Pethy were fortunate not to be six down. Ex-international referee Tony Spreadbury ensured the game was as free flowing as it possibly could be and ultimately getting his message across to the Petherton players to stop infringing at the breakdown.

In the 18th Minute a cross-field kick by new fly half Tom Williams was gathered by Mike Stevens, who off loaded to Harry Roberts who carried the ball in to the visitors 22 and after a cynical piece of play by Tavistock the ball bounced kindly for Aaron Gibbs to stroll over from ten yards, Roberts Converted.

The next phase of play has been repeated many times this season as straight from the restart Petherton conceded a soft try from another charged down kick. Fortunately the conversion attempt was missed. Petherton's effort level and spirit remained high and a smart piece of play between man of the match Ben Tracey and captain Matt Angel, who had his strongest game of the season in the loose, which took the ball from their own 22 to the visitors ten yard line through a series of interchanges. A resulting penalty by outside centre Lloyd Williams to the corner gave Pethy an excellent scoring opportunity. Another good lineout and strong forward drive and the industrious Matt Ranson added the finishing touch for the last play of the first half.

The half time team talk was about getting the simple things right, going through the phases and decision-making. Within a minute of the half starting Tracey picked up on the ten yard line, attacked down the short side, went outside a covering tackle and darted under the posts for a superbly taken opportunistic try. Roberts converted. Pethy picked up their play but lacked the usual fluidity of previous weeks until in the 54th minute when a scintillating move from left to right with Potter and Roberts combining to send the full back over which he successfully converted.

Tavistock continued to play attacking rugby from their own half but couldn't build any continuity and only crossed the gain line when Pethy kicked aimlessly to the visitors's quick number 15. In the 64th minute another piece of sloppy defending gave Tavistock a deserved try, the kick was missed again.

This time it was Pethy's turn to take advantage of a disorganised defence and the tireless Matt Brown was on the end to finish a smart move, which started 40 metres up field and give Pethy an unassailable lead of 31-10.

The remainder of the game went from set piece to set piece. In the 80th minute and the final play of the game, Pethy orchestrated another rolling maul and the returning Sam Williams scored a well-worked try that Roberts converted.

Another pleasing performance by Ben Sellick who acquitted himself well for the second week running and is creating serious competition for places. Tom Williams slotted in to the ten berth and Lloyd Williams switched to the outside centre role. The players can feel proud they snuffed out a committed side even if wasn't in the manner they aimed for.

Captain Matt Angel commented, 'the boys stuck to the task and even though we were sloppy in parts we got the win through spirit'