Tribute South West One West

Avonmouth OB 18, North Petherton 12

NORTH Petherton captain Damian Griffin was left to rue a disappointing second-half performance as his side slipped to defeat at Avonmouth Old Boys.

A last play converted try ensured a bonus point for the visitors against a determined side with an impressive home record – but Griffin said ill discipline and a lack of intensity were to blame for the defeat.

He said: “I’m really disappointed with how we played the second-half.

“It was our best first-half of the season and we played how we planned to.

“In the second-half we were too relaxed and our penalty count was something we have to look at.

“We have to start and finish every game how we started on Saturday.

“I know the team, like me, are just itching to put it right in our next game.”

Both teams set out with the aim of shifting the ball but the blustery conditions limited opportunities. Pethy made a sharp start and tested the home team’s organisation.

Avonmouth bounced back and attacked through their back row but Pethy defended brilliantly and made their tackles with Kyle Presscott, James Taylor and Pete Dickens all putting in telling contributions.

The conditions prevented both teams moving the ball wider earlier and forced a midfield battle for a large part of the half.

Midway through the half Pethy built up some momentum through Arron Gibbs, Chad Lowrie and Gavin Hancock to place the visitors in an attacking position and after moving the ball across the pitch three times, with forwards and backs combining, the ball arrived in the hands of Damian Griffin who dived over by the corner flag for the best team try of the season.

The rest of the half belonged to the home team but Pethy continued to defend strongly and shut out Avonmouth.

In the 32nd minute the home team narrowed the gap with a 25-metre penalty.

Playing into the wind, Avonmouth tested Pethy immediately and quickly began to have success with their backs finding some extra yards.

The home team kept the momentum for long periods but just as it looked like the Pethy defence had held firm again Avonmouth scored their first try after strong running from forwards and backs.

Pethy responded and had a couple of opportunities after good individual work from Ben Tracey and Jacob Beleski.

This only seemed to spur on the home team who came back stronger and scored two more tries to extend the lead to 18-5.

Pethy entered the last minute in their own 22 and after a series of breaks worked their way into their opponents’ half after good work from the forwards.

With the ball in Harry Auten’s hands, Pethy moved the ball along the back line for Harry Roberts to dive over 20 metres to the left of the posts.

He slotted over the conversion to gain a point with the last kick of the game.