Tribute South West One West

Teignmouth 26 North Petherton 16

NORTH Petherton were unable to build on last week's victory over Avonmouth, as they slumped to a 26-16 defeat at fellow strugglers Teignmouth, writes Simon Freeman.

Jack Kohler scored Pethy's only try of the afternoon and Harry Roberts kicked 11 points, but it wasn't enough for Pethy who slip back into the bottom three in South West One West.

In difficult conditions and both teams looking to move up the table, the game became a tense dogged battle.

Pethy, looking to build on last week's performance, were unable to take their chances and the home team got themselves over the line for their first victory.

Petherton made the better start and were first on the scoreboard with a well struck penalty from Harry Roberts.

However, this was cancelled out quickly as the home team exploited a succession of penalties.

Teignmouth secured a five metre lineout to score their first try and conversion.

Teignmouth played the conditions better, which resulted in Pethy upsetting the official, with numerous more penalties and a player lost to the sin bin.

The home team, now sensing opportunities, went over for their second converted try.

The momentum belonged to the home team as they attempted to move the ball in the difficult conditions.

Teignmouth shifted the ball along the backline and the winger found a way over to extend the lead further.

The conditions deteriorated, as the forwards became more influential which created spaces for both teams.

Pethy began to find some fluidity with Jack Kohler hitting a good line for John Gallagher to finish off under the posts, Roberts converted.

Pethy sensed a comeback and before half-time, closed the gap further with another penalty.

Pethy started the second-half playing with more composure and created an excellent opportunity to score - but an infringement from the home side prevented a try, however Roberts narrowed the gap to 19-16.

The match became a midfield encounter with both teams looking nervous about making mistakes.

Pethy were too eager in defence and forced the officials into awarding a series of penalties for off-side.

As the game entered the last few moments, the bonus-point was up for grabs only for lack of concentration to allow Teignmouth to secure their fourth try of the afternoon under the posts.

Weston-super-Mare are the visitors to Beggars Brook on Saturday.