South West One West

North Petherton RFC 33, Avonmouth 17

NORTH Petherton captain Damian Griffin described Saturday’s 33-17 bonus point victory over Avonmouth as “a great team effort” as his side ran in five tries to secure their third victory of the season, writes Simon Freeman.

Mike Stevens, Sam Kohler, Harry Roberts, Sam Williams and Arron Gibbs all crossed for Pethy, who had to fight back from 17-12 down to claim victory – and Griffin was pleased with his side’s grit and determination.

He said: "It was a great team effort with everyone sharing the workload which was needed against a good team.

“We had to work really hard throughout especially in the second half but we had the belief we could pull through if we stuck together."

The home team made a dream start playing down the slope when Harry Auton supplied Mike Stevens with a pass that allowed him to scorch over in the corner, Harry Roberts converted.

In the 15th minute Avonmouth began to play themselves into the game with some strong breaks and intelligent game management – and after some concerted driving and good handling they levelled the scores with a converted try.

This time it was for Pethy to respond and after the forwards secured the ball from the kick off, the ball was shifted to Tito Elisara and finally Roberts to score out wide.

The final ten minutes of the half belonged to the visitors who played their way out of defence to create numerous scoring opportunities.

The official became frustrated with the home side and a penalty narrowed the gap - but Avonmouth continued to apply the pressure and after another series of breaks finally found an extra man to score another converted try.

The home side favoured line outs rather than kicking for goal and were rewarded in the 53rd minute when the industrious Sam Williams barged his way over from five yards, Roberts again converted.

Jack Kohler and Beleski continued to link well and in the 58th minute the ball was moved across the line to Arron Gibbs who picked up a low ball to round the last defender and dot down.

The final play was a powerful break by the forwards, who supplied Gibbs with the chance to make a break and just as the last defender was closing in on him, he released Kohler to dart his way over from 25 metres, Roberts converted.