Tribute South West One West

North Petherton 43, Bideford 7

NORTH Petherton secured a bonus point victory with a competent performance against a determined and well-organised visiting team, writes Simon Freeman.

The early stages belonged to Pethy whose passing was more accurate and in the 12th minute some skilful link work led to James Cox stretching over to score in the corner.

Bideford seemed to be keeping their defence strong until the 32nd minute when a powerful break by Tito Elisara attracted a couple of defenders before he delivered a perfectly timed pass to winger Mike Stevens who darted over from the 22, Harry Roberts converted.

The visitors showed their character by immediately responding with the best passage of plays and working their way from their own half with deft handling and eventually creating an overlap to score in the corner, which was converted (12-7).

This lifted Bideford who began to play with more confidence and another series of offloads looked to be creating more space - until an expertly timed interception by Damian Griffin saw him sprint over for a third.

Roberts added a penalty to further extend the lead, before Mike Stephens latched on to a pass from Gavin Hancock to make it 29-7.

The next twenty minutes remained scoreless with breakdowns becoming more physical and fitness levels exemplary.

Pethy produced some strong moments to build from with Arron Gibbs making some powerful breaks again.

The last five minutes witnessed more entertaining rugby with Pethy shifting play at speed - Sam Williams barrelled over from 10 metres out before Gavin Hancock rounded off proceedings with a try in the closing stages.

North Petherton welcome Chard to Beggars Brook next Saturday (December 14), 2.30pm kick-off.