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NORTH PETHERTON 25 SIDMOUTH 6

NORTH Petherton secured their second bonus-point victory of the season with a 25-6 triumph over Sidmouth on Saturday, writes Simon Freeman.

A late Mike Stevens try sealed the bonus point for Pethy, who were left frustrated that the scoreline wasn’t much more convincing. Pete Dickens, Will King and Harry Auten registered Pethy’s first three scores of the afternoon, while Harry Roberts and Jacob Beleski added the extra with the boot.

A blistering opening passage warmed the crowd immediately, as from the kick off Pethy attacked from their ten-yard line. Second row James Taylor was instrumental in keeping the move flowing with two deft off-loads and the ball was eventually moved across the pitch to Pete Dickens to run in from 15 metres.

In the 18th minute a powerful run from Arron Gibbs forced a series of attacking scrums and when the ball finally was released, Ben Tracey set a move off across the pitch for debutant Will King to speed around his man and dive over in the corner.

Sidmouth rallied and showed their intentions, twice creating extra space, but Petherton responded with equally solid defence.

Pethy began to exert more pressure and began hitting up through the middle rather than hit the wide channels.

This led to numerous attacks and create some fine interplay, which resulted in a penalty for Harry Roberts who drilled it over for a 13-0 half-time lead.

The second half began with the visitors in the ascendancy and camping Pethy in their 22.

Dan Retter deservedly closed the gap with two penalties, but Pethy added to their lead in the 62nd minute as Harry Autun beat two defenders to dot down following some strong midfield running.

The game beginning to look safe for Pethy attacked more freely and only some superb cover defence prevented further tries.

Sidmouth still fighting for a bonus point continued to test the Petherton defence but a clever steal from the home side allowed Harris to set off on a powerful run before offloading to right-winger Stevens in support to score the bonus point try, Jacob Beleski converted.

Man of the Match Toby Harris