9th October 2010 - Tribute Somerset 2 South:

Taunton III 8 v 24 North Petherton II

Report by Ben Williams

Petherton 2nd XV visited neighbours Taunton hoping to revive their season following three consecutive defeats. Despite naming a strong side Petherton's hopes were dealt a blow on the morning of the game when front row Simon Ranson was called up to the 1st XV following a late cry off. However, versatile Adrian Tew stepped up to the mark well.

Petherton's pack despite being under pressure in the scrum were dominate in both the lineout and the loose. However, the intensity was never quite up to the desired level and despite plenty of possession and territory, points were hard to come by.

Pethy's opening score was through fly half Dan Pearce via a drop goal from in front of the posts whilst the referee was playing advantage to Petherton. Pethy's next score came via a scrum on their own 10m line where No 8 James Lees picked and fed scrum half Pete Anthony who put winger Ben Williams away up the right. Williams drew the full back and fed blindside flanker Miles McNeillie for an unopposed run in under the posts. Pearce missed the resulting conversion having lost his kicking tee.

Taunton replied with a penalty of their own and the score after a 60 minute first half was 8-3 to Petherton.

Petherton started the second half with more intensity and made inroads into Taunton's half. They soon had two penalties to show for their efforts from Pearce following the acquisition of a kicking tee. Pethy continued to dominate territory but didn’t have it all their own way with Taunton running the ball well. Petherton's defensive display was excellent throughout the game and denied Taunton a couple of scoring opportunities.

Following some strong forward play Petherton moved the ball out wide to centre Webber who fed winger Tozer who came in off his wing to score an excellent try under the posts. Pearce converted to make the score 24-3.

Taunton scored a concilation try making the final score 24-8 and a well deserved victory for Petherton.

Prop Nick Pocock had an excellent game both in the scrum and the loose, carrying the ball well and making some great runs through the heart of Taunton's defence. It was also a welcome sight to see second-row Ben Long take to the field following a lengthy absence.

Final score: Taunton III 8 North Petherton II 24

Team: Pocock, Murdoch, Tew, Long, Stewart, McNellie, Winn (Ardren, 55), Lees, Anthony, Pearce, Tozer (Harris, 50), Webber, Potter, Williams (Captain), Havill.