South West One West

Cleve 53, North Petherton 19

NORTH Petherton suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of a strong Cleve outfit, who look certain to be challenging at the top come the end of the season, writes Simon Freeman.

Sam Williams, Miles McNeillie and Tito Elisara all crossed for Pethy, but the hosts were in ruthless mood, ensuring any openings were punished.

North Petherton captain Damian Griffin was full of praise for the Bristol-based side, but admitted his team had a few things to work on in training.

He said: “Fair play to Cleve, they played good structured rugby but at the same time so did we when were allowed to.

“The team put in 100% for the whole 80 minutes and we can’t ask for more than that – we can work on one or two things in training and aim to get it right for the home game on Saturday.”

Both teams made a positive start but it was the home team that took advantage to cross the line after five minutes for a converted try.

As in the previous week, Pethy responded fiercely, with good work from forwards and backs to combine for Sam Williams to power over.

The remainder of the half saw both teams attack at will, with Cleve demonstrating that little bit extra to keep moving the score in their favour.

Cleve moved the ball well, as did Pethy, but just as the visitors looked to build some momentum they fell afoul of the official.

The home team extended the score to 35-5 for an unassailable lead.

Petherton kept their cool during the interval and refocused their efforts and immediately built up some pressure. The visitors moved plays and shifted points of attacks to work their way around the home team’s defence with Miles McNeillie adding the final touch, Harry Roberts slotted the extras (35-12).

This only spurred the home team into a more vigorous mode and lifted their game.

Pethy tackled strongly but ended up running out of defenders which further stretched the lead.

The visitors never faltered with their efforts but ultimately came up short and only had a Tito Elisara try, with Roberts converting to show for their efforts.

l North Petherton host Clevedon this weekend, 2.30pm kick-off.