North Petherton 1st XV vs Thornbury 23/10/21

After a 2 week break and many in attendance at Beggars Brook the stage was set as Billy Massingham kicked off to get the lads underway. Pethy were too strong for Thornbury’s defence and caused a penalty which Jack Rees converted to put Pethy 3 points ahead in the first few minutes. Despite this setback, Thornbury created a lovely attack through some quick hands and a well place kick put Alfie Richardson in to score their first of the game to which their kicker converted. Pethy completed several phases from the get go putting Thornbury on the back foot. After playing crash ball for a few phases Greg Charlton played a beautiful looping pass over the top to set up Winger Lewis Allen nicely in the corner. Jack Rees stepped up and converted to put the oaks 10-7 ahead. Despite Pethy’s best efforts Thornbury’s attack punished them as Sam Butcher found a gap in the defence and touched the ball down. Thornbury convert making the score 14-10 to Thornbury. Pethy got off to a great start and instantly started breaking down Thornbury’s defence through some effective pick and go’s by Dan Morgan and Sam Williams. In spite of this Thornbury managed to turn the ball over breaking down Pethy’s attack. From Thornbury’s attacking line out Pethy’s hard work was rewarded when Thornbury where forced to kick to touch. From this The oaks continued to oppress Thornbury’s defensive efforts and with the forwards proving to much James Taylor was pushed through to score his first. The score now read 15-14 to Pethy. Scrum time was very equally matched however consistent pressure from flankers Mac Taylor and James Taylor forced mistakes to be made by the visitors scrum half. Pethy worked their way up the pitch after these scrums fantastically, with the forwards and backs linking up to make up lots of ground . Sam Williams forced Thornbury into giving away a penalty to which Pethy kicked to touch. After some confident picks from the forwards Mac Taylor was driven over the line to which jack Rees converted to put Pethy 22-14 ahead. On the cusp of halftime, a dog invaded the pitch causing the referee to close the half with Pethy ahead going into the second.

Thornbury kick off well but Pethy reply with a kick straight back and with pressure forced a knock on by Thornbury. Subsequently, Thornbury won the ball back from the scrum and their 12 put a grubber kick in behind Pethy’s defence giving Pethy a line out in their own half. The lads worked their way into the attacking third through some strong carries but gave away a scrum. From the scrum Thornbury’s number 8 carried hard past the first line of defence but was met by Dom griffin who forced the turnover. Nothing really came of this as Thornbury won the ball back and although Pethy consistently defended strong Thornbury spread the ball wide causing gaps in the stretch Pethy defence leading to a Thornbury try making the score 22-21 to Pethy. All the lads still continued to pile on the pressure despite still having the lead. This pressure resulted in a turnover to which jack Rees again converted his kick to strengthen Pethy’s lead to 25-21. Although Pethy continued to play aggressively they gave away the ball and a Thornbury scrum was given. The visitors 15 made a fantastic break through the line from the scrum. Connor Perkins put his body on the line when he stopped the Thornbury attack in its tracks but it was deemed a high tackle to which Thornbury kicked to touch from the penalty and as a result of this mauled their way to a try and successful conversion making the score 26-25 to Thornbury. The Pethy players didn’t let this phase them as Thornbury were caught in an offside position to which despite the pressure jack Rees calmly converted the kick putting Pethy in the lead again to make the score 28-26 to Pethy. From the restart another strong pick from Mac Taylor forces another penalty Pethy’s way however jack Rees just fails to convert this time. Thornbury decide to take the 22 drop out quickly which was unsuccessful putting Pethy back in the drivers seat. Billy Massingham kicks to touch for a Pethy line out. The forward pack decide maul and force the penalty advantage to which a strong pick from Sam Villis puts the boys ahead 33-26 going into the final moments of the game. Thornbury were resilient right up until the final whistle with strong carries being made. However, the home team’s consistency at the breakdown was again rewarded by a brilliant turnover from Alex Games-Thomas. Which ultimately put an end to an engrossing game of rugby. Final score North Petherton 33-26 Thornbury. Next week sees Derby Day away to Bridgwater & Albion.