South-West 1 West

Thornbury 13, North Petherton 18

PETHERTON continued their flawless start to the season with an 13-18 win at Thornbury at the weekend.

Playing down the slope Thornbury made their intentions clear from the onset, with quick flowing moves to their dangerous looking backs but Petherton's defence was resolute.

Petherton took an early lead in the seventh minute with a finely struck kick from Harry Roberts, which he duplicated on 14 minutes making the score 0-6.

Both teams were now playing some fine attacking rugby but quick thinking from Petherton taking a quick tap penalty on the half and some quick phases of play and good hands blind led to a try in the right hand corner by the ever youthful second row/ winger Cox. Roberts converted this with another fine kick from the touchline.

On 33 mins another yellow card was issued this time to Tito Elisara again for a ruck offence and Thornbury slotted the penalty over to trail 3-13 at half-time.

Both teams came crashing out of the blocks in the second half but it was a flowing move by Petherton down the right hand side that saw Damien Griffin go over in the corner to take a 3-18 lead.

A Thornbury drop goal in the 45th minute reduced the arrears to 18-6 before a try in the corner made it 13-18 to the visitors.

The home side gained in confidence with Pethy now under extreme pressure but they managed to hold on for the win to remain unbeaten from seven matches and top of the table.

Next week, they welcome Old Redcliffians for a 3pm kick-off.

*THE 2nd XV suffered their second defeat in as many weeks when they fell to a 29-15 loss at home to Old Redcliffians 2nd XV. They travel to Bristol Barbarians this weekend.

*THE 3rd XV lost 36-15 at Wells on Saturday and will look to bounce back with a home fixture versus Yatton this weekend.