Tribute South West One West

North Petherton 36, Cullompton 7

NORTH Petherton kept up the pressure on the top two with a fine bonus-point victory over Cullompton at Beggars Bush on Saturday, writes Simon Freeman.

The hosts ran in six tries through Damian Griffin, Gavin Hancock, James Cox, Harry Auton and Mike Stevens – while Harry Roberts added three conversions.

Petherton began to exert pressure through Jacob Beleski and worked their way in to midfield.

An attacking scrum 20 metres out saw Arron Gibbs pick up, break one tackle and time his pass precisely to Dominik Griffin who slid in at the corner, Harry Roberts drilled the conversion over.

Cullompton responded positively and attacked Pethy around the fringes, making some hard yards and keeping Petherton on the back foot.

The visitors used their strike runners skilfully only for Petherton to spoil their opportunities to continue their attacks.

In the 30th minute Petherton moved the ball wide at the earliest opportunity and some memorable off loads from Mike Coles, Sam Williams, Toby Harris and Greg Charlton supplied an opportunity for James Cox who attacked two defenders before subtly flicking the ball to the impressive Pete Dickens to dive in at the corner flag (12-0).

Just after half-time, a hurried defensive clearance by the visitors put themselves under pressure and Petherton capitalised.

Moving the ball in both directions, it eventually landed in the hands of Autun, who cut a superb line to power over from 30 metres out, Roberts converted.

James Cox drove his way over to make it 24-0 to the hosts, before Cullompton pulled a score back with a penalty try.

But it wasn’t long before the home side were in charge again as a length of the field move lead to Gavin Hancock scoring his side’s fifth try of the game.

Stevens put the icing on the cake with a sixth late on, after good work from Beleski and Hancock and freed up the space.

North Petherton remain third in the table and travel to league leaders Cleve next Saturday (November 9), 1.30pm kick-off.

## Clevedon Colts 32, North Petherton Colts 14 NORTH Petherton Colts went away with just the 15 players with some having to play out of positio.

Clevedon scored early to take the lead before Pethy pulled a score back.

The teams once again traded tries before Clevedon soared ahead to win 32-14.