Tribute South West One West

Thornbury 15, North Petherton 16

NORTH Petherton were forced to work to the very end as they pipped a battling Thornbury side by a single point on Saturday, writes Simon Freeman.

A late Thornbury try had reduced the deficit to just a single point, but the kick to win the game drifted just wide.

They were forced to play over an hour with just 14 men after Jamie Cox was red-carded for dissent.

The match started well with the home side immediately on the offensive - with some clever exploitation of space and good handling led to a third minute converted try.

Petherton responded positively with the forwards getting some momentum and taking control of the game from the set piece, which forced the official to award the visitors a penalty, which Harry Roberts converted.

Thornbury looked to move the ball when they could secure possession, but Petherton were organised and aggressive in defence.

Cox's dismissal came just after two Roberts' penalties, as Pethy headed into the break with a two-point lead, but a one-man disadvantage.

Thornbury threw everything in to the second half and continued to bombard the visitor's line, but Petherton remained disciplined and focused.

Arron Gibbs then capitalised on Petherton's best passage of play, as some slick handling and quick ball allowed Gibbs to glide over the line - Roberts added the extras.

The remainder of the match belonged to Thornbury who threw wave after wave of attacks at the Petherton defence.

Petherton continued to commit to everything, but the home side managed to close the gap with a well-struck penalty after Pethy upset the official.

Thornbury created numerous attacking platforms and eventually broke down the visiting defence with a try well-worked try in the corner to close the gap to 15-16.

The conversion to win the game drifted wide of the uprights and Pethy held on for the narrowest of victories.