Tribute South West One West

North Petherton 24, Chard 15

NORTH Petherton captain Sam Williams paid tribute to the pride and belied of his team as they overcame local rivals Chard in a thrilling encounter on Saturday afternoon.

After going 15-3 behind to a powerful Chard outfit, Pethy fought their way back into the game thanks to a brace of tries from Arron Gibbs and a penalty try.

Harry Roberts added nine points from his reliable boot to give the hosts their 11th victory of the season - and captain Williams was quick to praise his team mates.

He said: “That was all about pride and playing for each other, I couldn't pick anyone stand out but am just so proud of the squad.”

Chard took control of the early exchanges and opened the scoring in the sixth minute with an impressive team try.

They added to their lead shortly after with a penalty after Pethy had been caught offside - but the home side continued to battle and opened their account for afternoon with a Harry Roberts penalty on the half hour.

The remainder of the first half produced some determined defending from Pethy as Chard monopolised possession and camped themselves in the home sides 22. Chard's skilful forwards kept Pethy on the back foot and were rewarded in the 37th minute with a second try.

The second half proved to be a whole different ball game, with the Pethy forwards gaining the upper hand against a robust opposition.

Their fight back was rewarded on 44 minutes when Arron Gibbs found himself on the end of a swift counter attack to reduce the deficit - Roberts' conversion made the score 10-15.

And it was Gibbs once again who was on hand to put North Petherton into the lead for the first time in the game, as he gathered a delicate chip from Jervis Manupenu to run in from 30 metres - Roberts again added the conversion to put his side in the driving seat.

As the game entered the final fifteen minutes both teams' fitness levels became fully tested with neither team withering.

Petherton, now preferring to play position pushed Chard back with a series of long kicks - all chased tirelessly by Gavin Hancock, Mike Stevens, Damian Griffin and Auten.

Pethy won a penalty near the half way line and Manupenu perfectly placed his kick to within five yards of the visiting team's line.

A solid catch and drive proved too much for the visitors and the referee awarded a penalty try to extend Pethy's lead further, and ensure they kept the pressure on the league leaders.

This match was kindly sponsored by:

G. Roles Fencing

Heatcare Boiler Servicing

Total Builders

Edward Hillman Fencing