Somerset Cup quarter-final

North Petherton 43 Chew Valley 12

NORTH Petherton are through to the semi-finals of the Somerset Cup after comfortably beating Chew Valley at Beggars Brook on Saturday, writes Simon Freeman.

An excellent defensive second-half display, which kept the visitors scoreless, typified the spirit and determination of the home side to build confidence for the season.

Dominik Griffin, Mike Stevens (2), Aiden Cotton, Toby Harris and Gavin Hancock all touched down for Pethy, while Harry Roberts kicked 13 points.

Pethy made a strong start against a lively young side and forced a series of penalties from which new skipper Dominik Griffin went over, Harry Roberts converted.

Chew responded immediately and put the home team under pressure - and with the set pieces fairly equal, had the chance to move the ball sharply, with the captain scoring the first of his two tries.

But Pethy to turned the tables and after a couple of short drives by the forwards, who linked well all afternoon, the ball arrived in the hands of Mike Stevens to scorch under the posts, Roberts converted to extend the lead.

The breakdowns held the key with neither team holding any superiority but both sets of forward fighting for any possession.

The visitors then closed the gap for a deserved converted try.

In the closing minutes of the half Chew began to concede penalties as the home forwards applied pressure at the breakdown, for Roberts to kick a penalty.

The second-half produced some clinical play from the home team particularly defensively who kept the enterprising visitors out.

The Pethy forwards worked tirelessly again this time for just rewards and produced some entertaining plays looking sharp and creative.

The forwards and backs showed the cohesion they have been striving for which resulted in four second-half tries from Aiden Cotton, Stevens, Toby Harris and Gavin Hancock, Roberts converted three to complete the scoring.