Somerset One
North Petherton 2nd XV 14, Morganians 35

MORGS travelled to local rivals North Petherton looking to record a league double over their near neighbours.

The visitors got off to a strong start and a burst from Will Hopkins in the visitors 22 saw him clear the first line of defence. 

As the cover tacklers closed on him, he was able to find veteran prop Jason Richards who drove over from five metres out - the ever-reliable Jordan Mein added the extras from the touchline. 

Morgs were straight back on the attack and Hopkins took a quick tap and go to feed former Pethy favourite Gavin Hancock, who used his pace to stretch the defence before passing to Ryan Rossiter who scored to the left of the posts, with Mein converting.

The hosts were then reduced to 14 men, and from the resulting penalty Hopkins was able to find a way through the waiting defenders and bundle over for his 103rd Morganians try, which Mein converted for a 21-0 lead.

Morgs second row Lewis Wood was sent to the bin for cynical clearout on Grimstead from an offside position, and the hosts got off to a strong start after the break.

Pethy were awarded a number of penalties which they took quickly, and gathered sufficient momentum to send Connor Perkins over the line to the left of the posts, with Longhurst adding the extras.

The teams were only back to 15-a-side momentarily, as Pethy saw their second player sent to the bin.

With a man advantage, Morgs were able to find space on the flanks and a quick free-kick saw Hancock race up the left wing before offloading to Martyn Keep, who raced in to score, and Mein did the rest.

The hosts weren’t done, and they were able to add another score as Scott Briffett used his pace to evade the covering tackle and score in the corner. 

With two minutes to go, Sam Bullion turned on the style and did what he does best, evading five defenders before strolling over the line to register the score of the game, and Mein added the extras. 

The bonus point win moves Morgs back to fifth place in the table - they host Wellington at Chedzoy Lane next week.