Tribute South West One West

North Petherton 25, Cleve 17

NORTH Petherton captain Damian Griffin has urged his side to kick-on for the remainder of the season, after they produced a gritty performance to surprise league leaders Cleve, writes Simon Freeman.

James Cox scored twice for Pethy and Gavin Hancock also crossed, while Harry Roberts kicked 10 points from the tee – and Griffin said he was proud of his side’s performance.

“We were all quite nervous and the preparation and warm up were the worst we have had all season,” he said.

“The nerves went in the first minute as we tried to play with intensity.

“Our confidence grew quickly as we began to get going and play for the entire 80 minutes.

“We played as a team but again the forwards were brilliant, individually and as a unit. “They are a strong team and we knew it would be tough and the only way we could beat them was if we kept working hard and trusting ourselves in defence.

“I'm really proud of all the squad and looking to kick on for the remainder of the season.”

It was Cleve who made the impressive start as they managed to break tackles and offload at will before deservedly rolling over for a try after eight minutes.

Pethy began to find some momentum playing into a stiff breeze and after good work from Arron Gibbs, Lewis Phillips and Simon Gingell - Harry Roberts closed the gap with a penalty.

The visitor’s defence was strong and organised and shut out the home side until James Cox, with the help of the rest of the Pethy forwards drove over, Roberts converted on the stroke of half time.

The second-half began as the first ended, with Pethy attacking - and they extended their lead with slick move that involved Jacob Beleski, Chad Lowrie and finally Gavin Hancock who rounded his man to scorch over, Roberts converted.

This time it was Cleve who responded and pressurised the home team, scoring a penalty try, which was converted to narrow the gap to 17-12.

Neither team gave an inch with every player battling - and after a subtle break from Tito Elisara, which caused panic in the visitors defence, Roberts extended the lead to 20-12.

Cleve pushed themselves on to produce some quality plays and finally create a space for the extra man to dive over and put one score between the teams.

As the game entered the final few minutes the Pethy forwards drove 10 metres to the line under immense pressure to score another try, with Cox again getting the final touch.

The last few minutes saw Cleve through everything at the Pethy defence but to no rewards as the home team showed brilliant defence.

North Petherton u14 14, Clevedon U14 0 NORTH Petherton triumphed in this pulsating semi-final, with Joe Shaddrick and James Smith both scoring tries. Jack Rees converted both tries, after the game was scoreless at half-time.