Tribute South West One West

Bideford 38 North Petherton 13

BIDEFORD had too much for an inexperienced Pethy team who defended bravely throughout this encounter writes Simon Freeman.

Bideford have found some useful form and moved up to mid-table, while Petherton now have an important few weeks to arrest the slump and pick up their performance.

Pethy attempted a quick start but the home side were too wise.

Pethy tried to play an expansive game by utilising the backs who looked lively throughout.

An early converted try and penalty gave the home side a comfortable start and place them in the driving seat.

Pethy did manage to gain some momentum and force a penalty for Harry Roberts to narrow the gap with a well struck penalty.

The game showed the determination of the battling Pethy side, who ran themselves into the ground but were unable to prevent two penalties for the home team which increased the lead to 16-3.

Pethy again battled hard to create chances, the forwards working overtime and the backs continuing to look sharp with limited possession.

The home team, playing with confidence began to identify areas to attack and within a few minutes of the second-half starting, scored a converted try after a sharp individual break.

After a few replacements and an injury the match continued in the same manner with Bideford still being too smart for the visitors.

Pethy did continue to create opportunities and with the ball being moved swiftly Gavin Hancock chipped over to score a deserved try.

This only spurred on BIdeford who played solidly throughout to score a further two tries after some good work from the forwards who continued to apply pressure for the entire match.

Pethy true to form never gave up with a score from Jack Kohler who like everyone battled all afternoon.

There are no league fixtures this weekend due to the World Cup final, but Pethy return to action on November 7 at home to Avonmouth.