Somerset Cup Final

Old Redcliffians 35, North Petherton 21 (aet)

THREE tries in extra-time condemned North Petherton to a heartbreaking 35-21 defeat at the hands of National 3 side Old Reds.

The sides were locked at 16- 16 at the end of 80 minutes, but the Bristol-based side stole the show in extra-time and, with it, took the Somerset Cup crown at Weston-super-Mare RFC last Wednesday.

Old Reds full-back Craig Owen crossed in the first period of extra-time to nudge his side into a 21-16 lead, with Groves adding the conversion from out wide.

And it was Groves’ pinpoint cross-field kick that set up the second, as Dave Harris sealed the contest for Reds.

Pethy refused to lie down and Sam Butler pulled one back with time running out.

But Max Woodward had the final say for Reds with a close range effort in the 99th minute.

Earlier, centre Henry Goldson had opened the scoring for Reds, before Pethy wing Damian Griffin levelled things up on 10 minutes.

Flanker Jed Hooper restored the Reds’ lead shortly before half-time but, again, Pethy his back with a try through Gavin Hancock after a Roberts penalty and a Griffin drop goal had kept them in touch.

Groves had the chance to win it for Reds with a penalty in the final seconds, which he narrowly missed – but Reds upped their game in extratime to deny Pethy a dramatic win.