TRIBUTE SOUTH WEST ONE WEST

North Petherton 52, Camborne 26

NORTH Petherton captain Damian Griffin dedicated Saturday’s demolition of Camborne to departing player/coach Tito Elisara, as Pethy signed off the season in style, writes Simon Freeman.

The hosts ran in eight tries courtesy of Harry Roberts, Dan Frost, Gavin Hancock (2), George Pettingell, Chad Lowrie, Jacob Beleski and Arron Gibbs to seal a fifth-place finish – and captain Griffin said he was satisfied their final league position.

"It was a perfect send off for the players moving on - it was a really impressive score against a tough team.

“All the boys wanted to put on a show for Tito and thank him for all the hard work he has put in over the years.

“We will all miss him but we will carry on where he left off - the supporters were brilliant again home and away.

“The season has been a bit frustrating but with many positives also.

“We had a dip in form over Christmas and I am happy where we have finished in the league.

“Thanks to everyone who has supported us."

Pethy started the game in a lively fashion and looked to move the ball at every opportunity.

An early break from Tito Elisara set the tone which put the home side on the front foot – and in the eighth minute the forwards created a solid platform and with some slick passing amongst the backs Harry Roberts cut a line to scythe over.

At the midway point of the first half Pethy produced a golden ten minute period which involved attacks from all over the park.

The forwards again provided the momentum and Dan Frost charged over from 20 yards, Roberts converted.

The attacking rugby from both sides continued and again it was Pethy who stretched their lead with some fine interplay amongst the back, Griffin, Jacob Beleski and finally Damian Griffin all found space for Gavin Hancock to speed over, Roberts converted.

The fourth try belonged to the forwards who again worked tirelessly. They drove their way close to the visitors try line and after a few short drives George Pettingell forced his way over with the rest of the pack adding the extra support, Roberts converted.

The visitors pulled a score back, before Chad Lowrie stormed over the line.

Immediately from the restart, Petherton countered with the ball moving amongst the backs and in the hands of Elisara who made a scintillating outside break to release Hancock from 50 yards and beat the last defender to score the sixth home try.

Beleski who glided over from 15 yards before Camborne scored their second converted try (45-14). However, Pethy responded typically with more strong breaks freed space for Arron Gibbs to get on the score sheet, Roberts converted.

The remainder of the game belonged to the visitors who battled to the end to score two more tries with one converted to close the scoring to 52-26.