Tribute South West One West

Wells 10 North Petherton 20

NORTH Petherton captain, Damian Griffin praised his side for ‘playing smart’ during Saturday’s much-needed 20-10 victory at Wells on Saturday, writes Simon Freeman.

Tries from Damian Griffin and James Taylor, together with ten points from the boot of Harry Roberts, fired Pethy to just a third league win of the season – and Griffin said his side ‘played the conditions well’.

He said: "We were certainly more clinical than last week and played smarter in the horrible conditions.

“We agreed that we would not just play a tight game, because we thought that was what Wells would expect.

“The forwards all worked hard and provided a great platform and the backs showed some good handling, which kept the home team working hard.

“I thought we played the conditions well and we felt more comfortable in the rain.

“They are a good side, so we had to put them under pressure which we did with a rush defence and tactical kicking.

“Well done to all the lads and especially the supporters who braved the conditions.”

In atrocious conditions, Pethy adapted to the slightly quicker.

Both sets of forwards threw themselves into the breakdowns, which influenced the quality of possession.

Wells made some sharp breaks and tested the Pethy defence, but the visitors held firm and applied just enough pressure to force turnovers.

The official and players played their part in trying to keep the game moving - the game itself was tight, with both teams seeming equally well matched and with a lot of the game taking place between the two ten metre lines.

Pethy stuck to their plans without playing in a straight jacket and took the lead through Damian Griffin, after good work from the forwards.

Harry Roberts converted to give Pethy a 7-0 half time lead.

The second half saw conditions deteriorate further, but not the commitment as both teams strived for any momentum they could find.

The tackling throughout was determined and kept out many numerous attacks.

As in the first half, the game was equal but Pethy varied their play slightly more and continued with the rush defence tactic.

The players soon became unrecognisable and only the set piece allowed the spectators to identify personnel or positional play.

Wells deservedly scored a converted try and a penalty, but Pethy had just enough answers with a James Taylor try converted by Roberts, who also slotted over two penalties to complete the scoring 10-20.

Pethy host high-flying Thornbury on Saturday.