Tribute South West One West

Avonmouth OB 15 North Petherton 43

NORTH Petherton, for the second consecutive game, produced a performance high on pride and determination, writes Simon Freeman.

The defence and enterprise in attack were the big plus points, particularly in the second half when Avonmouth threw everything they had and never faltered for the duration of the match.

The two teams hovering in the lower reaches of the division provided some entertaining rugby, but Pethy held their nerve when the opportunities arose.

Pethy captain, Damian Griffin, said: “Because of our league position we have to play each game now as if it’s a cup final - and that attitude definitely helped on Saturday.

“We need to focus on one game at a time and put in 100% effort in on the day and I couldn't have asked any more from anyone, everything just fell into place.

“Our tries came from our backs but all thanks to a solid platform set from our forwards who were brilliant all day.

“We stuck to a game plan for the whole 80 minutes and didn't go off course, everyone knew their role individually, which made us play better as a team.

“Great performance from all, on and off the pitch - it was good to have such a big travelling support.

“Everyone is keen to play next week like that in front of a home crowd.”

The early stages belonged to Avonmouth OBs, with their forwards making some strong breaks and moving the Pethy defenders around the park.

The first score came in the seventh minute after a smart counter attack saw Jack Kohler run in from 25 yards - Harry Roberts slotted the extras.

OB's responded and put Pethy under pressure, but breaks from Kyle Presscott, Jack Coles and Pete Dickens moved the away side to just outside the home 22, before Harry Autun stepped outside one and inside another to dot down, Roberts converted.

OB's forced a penalty to narrow the gap to 3-14, but this was short lived as Roberts knocked over another penalty.

The home team then produced their best sequence of play and forced their way over in the corner for a converted try.

As the half was coming to an end, another Roberts penalty extended the lead.

The second half began with two more penalties for Roberts, who expertly curled through the posts to extend the lead to 10-29.

Pethy then weathered an Avonmouth storm and began to keep the ball and test the OB's defence again.

As the game entered the final 15 minutes, Gavin Hancock made a searing break to score under the posts and Roberts converted.

Avonmouth hit back and narrowed the gap to 15-36 with a try of their own.

The final play of the game saw the home team still trying to break Pethy, until Damian Griffin spotted an intercept and with perfect timing, sprinted home from 60 metres to secure a bonus point and leave Roberts the conversion to round off an excellent individual and team performance.