South West 1 West
North Petherton 29, Cullompton 22

NORTH Petherton overcame struggling Cullompton at Beggars Brook on Saturday, to move up to fifth in the South West 1 West table.

They left it late, though, having trailed 17-12 at half time – Dan Sanders and Sean Mardell’s tries, and the boot of Josh Luxon, putting Cully ahead.

Adam Wright and Greg Charlton crossed the try-line for Pethy, Tom Wyatt adding one conversion, to keep the hosts in it.

Dan Morgan crashed over five minutes into the second half to level the scores, and Wyatt added the extras to put his side ahead, 19-17.

Carl Brown claimed Pethy’s fourth try following a lineout, but Zac Murray responded to narrow the gap at 24-22.

However, with four minutes left to play, flanker Matt Taylor wheeled away to score the decisive try for the hosts.

The result sees Pethy leapfrog rivals Bridgwater & Albion in the standings to claim fifth place – fourth to 10th being separated by just three points.

This coming Saturday, Pethy travel to 10th-placed Devonport Services.

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North Petherton Under-16s 53, Bridgwater & Albion Under-16s 0

ON a dour day when the two local rivals could have been excused for playing stodgy, slow rugby, North Petherton Under-16s extended their winning run by playing some expansive rugby.

Building on their win at Avonmouth the previous week, Pethy took the game by the scruff from the start.

By passing the ball out wide, they were able to move the Bridgwater players around and create the space to score.

In all, nine tries were scored by eight different players, showing that Pethy can threaten from anywhere.

Tries came from Cam B, Alex S, Harry B, Dan, Nick P (2), Seb D, Harry S and Olly W, with conversions from Ben J (3) and Joe R.

Coach Andy Redman said: "The boys are playing with real flair at the moment.

"It is a result of their hard work in games, but also during training sessions."

With one more game against Nailsea & Backwell Under-16s before Christmas, the Pethy boys hope to go into the festive break with another win under their belts.