Tribute South West One West

Chard 19 North Petherton 23

Two teams in the lower reaches of the division produced an entertaining match which belied their positions, with Pethy coming out on top in a tense encounter, writes Simon Freeman.

The opening stages belonged to the visitors who attacked with vigour and tested the Chard defenders.

The visiting forwards again laid a platform and within a couple of minutes had created an opportunity, and after some slick passing Gavin Hancock found his way to the try line.

Chard typically responded and began to have some success up front as their forwards stole the momentum and played to their strengths.

After a series of attacks Chard levelled the scores and continued to hold the upper hand, but generally Petherton defended well and kept their shape.

Chard began to move the ball around with greater reward from the forwards and deservedly took the lead with a converted try for a 12-5 half-time lead.

The second half began in the best possible way for the visitors as James Taylor bounced off a tackler to stride over and narrow the score to 12-10.

The visiting backs found more space and after some neat footwork, Harry Autun found his way over the line, Harry Roberts converted.

The home team refused to concede and retook the lead with another converted try for a 19-17 scoreline.

The Pethy forwards were working overtime against a strong unit and the official awarded Pethy a penalty, which Roberts slotted to give his side the lead once again.

As the game entered the last few minutes the fitness of both teams was impressive, with neither team giving an inch, Pethy gained a bit of breathing space after another Roberts penalty, which completed the scoring.

Captain Damian Grifin said: "It was a weird atmosphere from the start and everyone was on edge and nervous, as we really needed a win and for other league results to go in our favour, but with those games out of our control all we could do is secure the win to give us any chance and we did that through true Pethy heart, not giving in until the very last whistle.

"We played into their hands for a lot of the game, letting them play with their forwards too much but once we opened up in levelled up the game.

"With the form we are playing recently and that being our fourth consecutive league win, spirits are high and we look forward to each game as it comes".