South West One West

Camborne 40, North Petherton 34

A PENALTY try in the last play of the game denied North Petherton a hard-fought victory on the opening weekend of the season, writes Simon Freeman.

Pethy scored four tries through Sam Williams, Harry Roberts, Jack Kohler and a penalty try to ensure they left with two bonus points – but the hosts eventually wore the Pethy defence down to snatch victory late on.

The opening exchanges belonged to the home side who exerted extensive pressure which Pethy found difficult to rebuff.

The scoreline reflected the supremacy of Camborne as they took a 17-0 lead within the 18th minute.

Petherton needed to produce some momentum which was duly provided by Chad Lowrie who set off on a powerful 30 metre burst to start a sustained period of pressure - resulting in a Harry Roberts penalty.

This boosted the confidence of the visitors who immediately set about applying more pressure - and with the forwards working slickly together it was left for Sam Williams to score Petherton’s first try of the season, Roberts converted.

Camborne scored again before the break, while Roberts replied with a penalty to send the teams into half-time at 24-13.

The hosts added a penalty to extend their lead, but powerful work from the Pethy forwards earned their side a penalty try, converted by Roberts, to close the gap.

Camborne used the ball smartly and applied pressure, forcing Pethy to concede another penalty and extend their lead.

Pethy played themselves back into contention with a superb team try on 70 minutes, with phase after phase stretching the home side, until the ball was moved smartly down the backline to Griffin who off loaded to the supporting Roberts to score and convert.

Another home penalty took the lead to six points, but with five minutes to play, Pethy thought they had snatched the points when scrum half Jack Kohler exploited a gap to scorch over and under the posts, Roberts converted.

The final twist came with the last set of plays as Camborne threw everything at the Pethy defence – the official eventually ran out of patience and awarded the home side a penalty try to clinch the match, 40-34.

North Petherton host St Austell next Saturday (September 13).