As the rain poured down across Beggars Brook. Fans gathered in their hundreds to watch the local derby as the Oaks take on Bridgwater in what would be a memorable game.

The away side started the innings as a calm and collected Jack Rees cleared to touch in response to a low driven kick off. Albion were hot out of the blocks charging down the Pethy attack but their eagerness got the better of them as they were found offside. When in possession, the away side were met by a hungry Pethy forward pack who were hitting massive shots all over the pitch. Most notably Carl Brown who found himself amongst the action at the beginning of the match. North Petherton flanker James Taylor, found himself on the wing to which he responded by running half the length of the pitch which the crowd thoroughly enjoyed. Despite Bridgy finding themselves on the back foot for the majority of the first 20 minutes they struck first from a penalty under the posts taking the score to 0-3. Albion continued this fine run of form as they yet again found themselves with a penalty in a similar position to which they converted taking the scoring to 0-6. After some end to end play and as the half was drawing to a close the home side won a penalty to which they elected to kick to touch. After a strong attacking maul the ball was released to a charging Jack Rees who burst through the heart of the away sides defence and crossed the line. The try was then converted leaving the oaks ahead as the half drew to a close. 

The sun shone down on beggars brook as the second half began. The oaks were  in good spirits as the forward pack continued to batter Bridgy’s efforts. However, a breakaway was made to which Pethy winger Zak Evans responded by not giving up and made a brilliant try saving tackle which sent a roar around beggars brook. Not only this but captain Mac Taylor did what he does best and made a huge hit on a Bridgwater player which was rewarded by a large cheer from the crowd in attendance. Not only were they rewarded by the crowd, but after some strong pick and go’s by the oaks forwards Connor Perkins slotted over the line and increased the home side’s lead to 12-6. Bridgwater asked many questions of the home side’s defence to which the boys in white and black seemed to have the answer continuing to put them on the back foot and slowing down the ball from some brilliant work at the breakdown.  North Petherton fullback Mitch Needham found himself under a highball to which he responded by kicking a lovely 22 drop out and putting his team in a brilliant place. From this Pethy continued to be a force at the scrums and breakdowns and despite valiant efforts by the away side a tsunami of Pethy forwards charged over the try-line in the corner. And with a brilliant conversion the scoreboard now read 19-6. The away side continued fighting  on right up until the final whistle. However, today was North Petherton’s day as they won the match. A cracking game from both teams and a true spectacle to have witnessed despite some foul weather both teams showed heart and signs of respect which really optimises a healthy rivalry. I have no doubt the next time these two team meet will be another memorable match day.

By Travis Griffiths