Thirds enjoy comfortable victory at Frome31/01/09 - Friendly: Frome IV 19 v 43 North Petherton III
Report by Cameron Kirk
Although Petherton travelled to Frome with sixteen players, it had been a struggle to get a full team. However upon arrival at the ground they were informed that Frome only had 11 ! In the spirit of “social” rugby Petherton lent Frome their two most influential and destructive runners, Carl Fury and Gary “The Rock” Coles.
Although Frome had a strong pack, Petherton had a good set of backs and were always going to be dangerous with the extra space. Petherton started well and winger Dillon Jones was unlucky not to open the scoring after he kicked through, hacked on then amazingly went down like a baby giraffe when he had the easy bit to do.
Full back Archie Walford started the scoring after good work from prop Matt Burge. Winger Jason Carter then scored the first of his two tries when his 20 feet stride length saw him race clear of the Frome defence.
Frome hit back with a disputed try which Petherton felt they had held up over the line. Petherton then lost flanker Kev Gray to a hamstring injury. However his back row partner Paul Wale then scored his debut try, closely followed by a run from the halfway line by scrum half and Australia returnee Miles McNeillie.
As play restarted Petherton were down to 12 as Miles’ pre-match statement of “I’m not that fit” came to fruition...he was throwing up off the pitch!! Petherton then lost Paul Wale to a rib injury so Carl Fury came back to the black and white.
The second half saw further tries from number eight Jim Dillon, centre Stuart Pearn and winger Jason Carter. Cameron Kirk converted four of the seven tries.
Matt Burge had a strong game at prop and centre Stuart Pearn showed what a difference he can make when he’s available to play.
Clatworthy was once again on show but still no drop goal.
Team: T.Field, M.Burge, G.Coles, C.Fury, A.Prowse, C.Clatworthy, K.Gray, J.Dillon, P.Wale, M.McNeillie, C.Kirk, G.Pearn, S.Pearn, J.Carter, D.Jones, A.Walford.