South West 1 West
North Petherton 32, North Dorset 22
AN entertaining game to open the season saw North Petherton secure a bonus point victory in their first game in the South West 1 West division, writes Simon Freeman.
As early as the third minute pressure from the visitors forced Pethy to concede a penalty which they slotted over but in the 10th minute a strong break from Carl Brown helped set up Jervis Manupenu and James Carter who released Gavin Hancock to score a superb try in the corner, which was equally matched by a Harry Roberts conversion.
North Dorset responded with a try but Petherton regained the lead thanks to a blistering run from Damian Griffin up the right touchline with forced a penalty and Roberts made no mistake.
However, on the half-hour mark an interception from a Pethy attack saw the visitors score a converted try to lead 10-15 at half time.
In the second half, Kyle Presscott and Matt Brown lead the way to drive Toby Harris over the line after 20 minutes and level the scores.
The momentum shifted and two minutes later an inside break by Tito Elisara and Sam Williams created space for Roberts to score outwide before Gibbs showed his power to drive himself over the line for another try, which Roberts converted to give Pethy a 27-15 lead.
Dorset hit back again though with a try but the win was sealed when captain James Carter released debutant Sam Chillingworth to score in the left corner.
Man of the Match - Pete Dickens Match Sponsor - Falcon Vehicle Solutions
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