Match Kindly Sponsored By:-
JIM DOYLE, Proprietor of the Lamb Inn, North Petherton and JOHN TREVARTHEN of GlosCare.
Report by Simon Freeman
North Petherton took the lead in the fourth minute and never looked like letting Wellington back in to the game. An explosive opening ten minutes ultimately finished the game as they took a 14-point lead through two excellent team tries.
Both team looked fired up for this local derby and determined to climb up the league table. Wellington kicked off and immediately used their heavier forwards to pressurise Pethy in to conceding a penalty in the first minute. Pethy defended well from the resulting lineout and then produced a golden ten minutes. Petherton attacking from left to right in their opponents 22 and with the forwards providing quick ball the ball was slickly moved across for Craig Goodwin to round his man and score just to the right of the posts, Harry Roberts converted (7-0).
Within another five minutes Petherton doubled their lead with an even better try. Matt Brown made ground in the middle of the park supported by Sam Williams who stepped around two defending backs and off loaded to Gavin Hancock who ran at the last man and with James Cox running a great supporting line Hancock slipped the ball perfectly to Cox who was unstoppable from 15 yards out, Roberts added the extra two (14-0).
Petherton then lost their momentum and in the process conceded three penalties in their own half within five minutes and on one occasion being marched back an extra ten !!
In the 22nd minute Wellington secured their only points of the game as Pethy lost shape in defence and were forced to concede three rather than a try (14-3).
Petherton immediately responded from the kick off after good work from Taylor and Prescott forced Wellington to hold on in the tackle allowing Roberts the opportunity to successfully extend the lead (17-3).
In the 25th minute Dave Hallaran made an incisive run into Wellington 22, unfortunately it was to be his last play as on landing he damaged his knee. Petherton moved Lloyd Williams to centre and brouight Ben Tracey on at nine.
The remaining fifteen minutes stayed scoreless with both teams having the opportunity but lacking the cutting edge to cross the line.
At half time Petherton refocused on continuity and working hard in defence and keep the opponents to their three points.
The 2nd half drifted and lost the shape of the first half with Pethy seemingly content to hold out ex international Dave Simms and his team.
In the fiftieth minute Wellington conceded a penalty in midfield and then continued to annoy the referee by back chatting and were swiftly moved back ten, Roberts striking the ball smoothly extended the lead (20-3).
The next score came from a bouncing ball from a lineout that landed kindly for Jervis Manupenu to collect. He out ran his opposite number and threw a huge dummy to the visiting full back and calmly strolled over the line under the posts for an excellent individual try. Roberts converted (27-3)
Wellington refused to throw in the towel and forced Pethy to defend their line as they went through the phases, but Pethy remained organised and never lost their shape.
A very solid performance with still more to come. Discipline continues to be work in progress as does options taken when in striking range.
Next week Petherton are away to Exeter Saracens. Transport for players and supporters will be leaving the clubhouse at 12:15.
Team:
1. Simon Ranson
2. Sam Williams
3. Kyle Prescott
4. James Cox
5. Sam Butler
6. Matt Brown
7. Mike Taylor
8. Arron Gibbs
9. Lloyd Williams
10. Jervis Manupenu
11. Gavin Hancock
12. Dave Hallaran
13. James Carter
14. Craig Goodwin
15. Harry Roberts
Replacements
16. Matt Angel
17. Miles McNeillie
18. Ben Tracey
Tries: Goodwin, Cox, Manupenu
Cons: Roberts (3)
Pens: Roberts (2)
