South West 1 West
Crediton 29, North Petherton 25

NORTH Petherton went down by four points in their South West 1 West opener on Saturday, despite scoring four tries away to Crediton.

The damage was done in the first half, with the home side surging into a 29-5 lead by the interval.

Winger Lewis Allen dived over for his and Pethy’s first try, but that was all that the visitors had to show for their efforts.

The second half was a very different affair, as Pethy scored three more tries to secure a bonus point – and a second bonus point for getting within five points of their hosts.

The first of those second-half tries came from centre Bert Cowley, who barged his way through Crediton’s forwards to score near the posts.

Allen then scored his second of the day, after the Petherton forwards had secured the ball and the three-quarters quickly shipped the ball out wide.

The bonus-point try was scored by flanker Carl Brown, who used all his power to overwhelm his attempted tacklers and get the ball down.

It made for a nervy finish for Crediton, but it was they who secured the victory.

Pethy are at home this coming Saturday, with Devonport Services the visitors to Beggars Brook.

***

Women’s NC 1 South West
North Petherton 7, Newton Abbot 24

NORTH Petherton Ladies were defeated in a physical affair at The Oaks on Sunday, as visitors Newton Abbot claimed victory in the opening fixture of the 2019/20 season.

The away side opened the scoring early on with a converted try, but Pethy hit back well, with some quick runs off the line.

Flowing passes throughout the forwards and backs enabled flanker Mya Andrews to race over the line for the home team’s first try of the new campaign, which was converted by Rosie Wheeler.

Newton Abbot smashed their way through the Pethy defence but some solid tackles from Janet Dyer, Gemma Hopkins and Charley Cotterall halted them in their tracks.

Eventually, the ball was fired out quickly to Newton Abbot’s backs and a strong run resulted in another converted try just before half-time, making it 14-7 at the break.

The home side came out of the blocks quickly in the second half with some good strong play between the forwards and backs, recycling the ball well and showing their attacking intent.

An altercation between players led to Pethy taking their eyes off the ball, however, and Newton Abbot took advantage with a quick tap-and-go to race over for a third try.

Undaunted, Pethy applied the pressure once again, Wheeler and Vicki Redwood combining to allow Jodie Williams to crash through – but the try was held up.

Late on, Newton Abbot made a good break and their powerful full-back crashed over for their fourth try of the game, securing a 24-7 victory for the away side.

This coming Sunday sees Pethy travel to Chew Valley Cats, who were 29-12 winners over Westbury in their opening fixture.