South West 1 West
Bridgwater & Albion 15, North Petherton 5

PLAYED in front of a big crowd, this local derby certainly lived up to expectations and produced a hard-fought game where every ball was challenged for, but at the end it was the hosts who claimed the bragging rights. 

North Petherton kicked off and were in the ascendancy for the first 10 minutes, but Bridgwater then had a period of pressure which the visiting defence withstood and eventually cleared their lines. 

Despite the best efforts of both sides to score, the first half ended 0-0.

The second half was equally combative with no quarter given, but on 55 minutes Bridgwater were awarded a penalty which Stuart Heal slotted home to break the deadlock.

The home side continued to try to run the ball whenever they could and on 61 minutes Brad Talbot produced a run down the right which was eventually worked across the back line to Joe Clarke, who touched down for a try on the left, which Heal converted.

North Petherton came back strongly and on 70 minutes they were rewarded with a try on the left by Harry Roberts, which was not converted, making the score 8-5. 

Almost from the re-start Bridgwater swept back into Petherton territory and following a line out on the left the ball eventually found its way to Talbot, who ran round the posts before touching down for a try which Heal duly converted.

North Petherton responded strongly and in the dying seconds were held up on the Bridgwater line. 

This may not have been the most attractive game of rugby but it was certainly full of passion and great entertainment for the large numbers who turned out to watch.

Bridgwater and Albion: Matt Ranson, Sam Adcock, Craig Blyde, Rob Thompson, Arron Kelly, Ethan Trebble-Westlake, Ollie Dunn (capt), Brad Talbot, Adam Conybeare, Stuart heal, Joe Clarke, Luke Plummer, Nik Bradley, Kyran Devitt and Tom Fournier D’Able. Replacements (all used): Lewis Phillips, George Sluman and Dan Kemmish.