South West One West

North Petherton 9, Bridgwater & Albion 5

NORTH Petherton captain Damian Griffin said he was “proud of the whole squad” after they stole the inter-town bragging rights with a narrow victory over Albion at Beggars Brook.

Albion’s Nick Spellissy scored the only try of the game in the first half, but Pethy full-back Harry Roberts was deadly with the boot, his three penalties being enough to seal their victory.

Griffin said: “I was proud of the whole squad – it was a tough match and could have gone either way, but we managed to stay composed under huge pressure.

“Thanks to the supporters again who get behind us and make us improve our game.”

Disappointed Albion skipper Ollie Dunn said: “It was a tough game played in the right spirit and neither team gave an inch.

“It came down to a couple of mistakes which Pethy were able to capitalise on.”

Thundery rain in the hour before kick-off may have kept many spectators away, but 682 fans witnessed a typical local derby with no quarter given.

Bridgwater’s kicking boots were left behind, but for Pethy Harry Roberts was in deadly form, taking all his chances.

Bridgwater started strongly and exerted early pressure on the home line, but without the reward of points.

They were unlucky to lose stand-out centre Rob Allen on four minutes with an accidental facial injury in a tackle.

In the first quarter-hour both sides thought they had scored tries only for the ref to call them back for an alleged marginally forward pass.

Bridgwater opened the scoring when they spurned a possible three-point penalty and opted to kick to touch.

They exerted forward pressure after the line-out and Spellissy drove over for the unconverted try.

When Bridgwater were adjudged offside at a line-out, Roberts slotted over an angled penalty from 30m to narrow the score to 3-5.

His second penalty five minutes later gave Pethy a lead they never gave up.

Both sides had chances with Stu Heal’s penalty attempt from 40m sailing just wide, and James Martin had a chance to clear his lines, but his kick was charged down.

Bridgwater started the second half well, but North Petherton hit back.

Bridgwater cleared direct to touch from inside their 22, putting themselves under pressure.

Pethy drove towards the posts and Bridgwater were quickly penalised – Matt Hastie was yellow carded and Roberts kicked an easy penalty.

The rest of the match saw both teams have opportunities, but come up just short against powerful defending.

Pethy held on to claim an important victory in a pulsating derby.

Next week, Albion entertain Cleve in a 3pm game, while North Petherton host newly promoted Wells.