Somerset 2 South

Weston Athletic 43  North Petherton 10

HAVING won promotion last season, the Athletic found their start in Somerset II difficult with an away defeat to Bridgwater 3rds in their opening fixture.

Keen to record their first win this home fixture almost did not happen due to a lack of a referee from an under pressure Somerset Society.

In the eleventh hour, back row forward and qualified referee Mark Walker stepped forward to control the game and allow the teams to play a highly competitive game.

A disorganised Athletic took to the field and the forwards soaked up early pressure, recycling ball from the contact and allowed the backs to pass wide benefitting to the full from the width provided by the Weston pitch.

After 15 minutes of pressure from Weston, Sharp recycled the ball to Matthews who flicked on to E Monelle to record the first points with a try at the corner. Failing to convert the extras, Weston found themselves immediately under pressure with a fine breakaway try by the North Petherton backs to equal the scores..

Weston suffered a period on the back foot with Petherton's confidence growing and the team on the attack. Despite pressure, Athletic handled this well to rally and through well driven ball, Matthews and Davidson recorded their first tries of the season and place Weston at a 19-5 advantage with Sharpe collecting the extras.

Half time saw the changes to the Weston side with injured Darleston retiring to allow Bennett on and Bush making way for Hobbs. The second half saw Weston in the driving seat with tries for Hobbs and Fryer, making a welcome return to the Athletic, and a brace for Bennett, Sharp converting two further kicks.

Hudson made way for Wheatley to return to the front row with the stand-in hooker H Monelle returning to the backs. In the dying moments of the game a resurgent Petherton rallied to produce a fine forward drive and consolation try.