Report by Simon Freeman
A tense local derby that was played fiercely and competitively for the entire eighty minutes. Wellington only defeated once at home this season and Petherton trying to play an expansive open game tested each other to the limits but with Petherton's defence holding firm they came out victorious by two points.
Petherton played the first half down the slope and with the slight wind behind them and immediately bombarded the Welly line. Wellington's defence was organised and they pressurised the breakdown well as the normally reliable link between Lloyd Williams and Jervis Manupenu lacked its normal fluidity.
The majority of the first twenty minutes was played in the home side's 22. In the seventh minute quick ball was secured after a break from James Cox, the ball was moved from right to left with three passes and in the hands of Carl Brown who scrambled his way over after bouncing off a tackler. (0-5)
From the resulting kick off Pethy nearly scored their try of the season, Aaron Gibbs caught the ball from the kick off beat the first two men, off loaded to Sam Williams who found Damian Griffin, who made his way to within three yards of the home line and just as the ball was being released the ball was fumbled, the opportunity was lost.
Petherton showed their character and continued to play their rugby and after another left to right move started by Sam Butler the ball was in the hands of Dave Hallaran playing in an unaccustomed wing position. He expertly delivered an inside pass to James Carter who stepped inside the full back and beat the despairing cover tacklers. Harry Roberts kicked the tricky conversion which ultimately was the difference between the two sides (0-12).
After 17 minutes and 12 - 0 up Pethy continued to try and increase their lead but the determined home side's defence resisted and didn't concede another point for the remaining 63 minutes. Wellington showed why they have such a good home record and with the ball in hand they made ground mainly through their strong running inside centre.
Petherton held the upper hand in the scrums with Simon Ranson, Sam Williams and Mike Coles giving the visitors the opportunity to attack. In the 33rd minute a counter attack by Roberts put Pethy within striking distance of the try line and after a couple of deft off loads a try looked almost certain until the efficient referee noticed a knock on. The half ended as it began with Pethy attacking with gusto and Wellington competing with vigour.
The second half began in the same fashion but with an intercept in the home side's 22 the Wellington right-winger scorched to within five yards of the Pethy line and only a miraculous cover tackle from Damian Griffin who tracked back from the other side of the pitch saved Petherton. The realisation then begun to dawn on Pethy as they were unable to move from their 22 for the next 25 minutes. The game had turned and now it was the visitors who had to defend. Wave after wave of attacks resulted in a try for the home side just to the right of the posts, the conversion was missed (5-12).
The extra support drove Wellington on and the game took the now familiar shape with Welly in the ascendancy and camping themselves in the bottom right corner. Wellington scored their second try in the 62nd minute ten yards to the right of the post and this time the kicker hit the post (10-12).
The match became intense with no team conceding ground and every breakdown becoming an old fashioned pile up. Mike Coles came to the fore and his strength held up numerous mauls that resulted in Pethy being able to reorganise or relieve the pressure.
Pethy turned the tide with the introduction and use of the replacements bench. Kyle Prescott immediately made in roads in to the home side's defence. Russ Williams left the field with a suspected broken hand after an important ankle tap on the Wellington centre. Pethy went through the phases and forced Welly on the back foot and working their way up field shifted the defence around. The attacking game had returned and Pethy looked certain to score on three occasions but each time they either conceded a penalty or were swarmed by the strong defence.
The last ten minutes was everything a local derby should be with both teams believing they could win and one error could cost the game. Wellington had the majority of play but Pethy kept them out of their 22 and showed determined organisation and nullified any threats. The final whistle blew to the delight and relief of the Pethy players and supporters and the disappointment of the home crowd.
A very pleasing win in difficult circumstances against a good side. The victory was more about character and desire than enterprising rugby. There are or will be very few teams who go to Wellington and defeat them. Credit must go to the management team of Tito Elisara and John Evans who made the necessary changes at the right moment. A very big well done to the whole squad.
Man of the Match:- Mike Coles
Team
1. Simon Ranson
2. Sam Williams
3. Mike Coles
4. Sam Butler
5. James Cox
6. Miles McNeillie
7. Carl Brown
8. Arron Gibbs
9. Lloyd Williams
10. Jervis Manupenu
11. Dave Hallaran
12. Russell Williams
13. James Carter
14. Damien Griffin
15. Harry Roberts
Replacements
16. Matt Ranson
17. Kyle Prescott
18. Ben Tracey
