South West 1 (W)

North Petherton 21, Devonport Services 41

INJURY-HIT North Petherton slipped to a second consecutive defeat at the start of the season as Devonport Services ran out victors at Beggars Brook on Saturday.

The visitors, who had racked up 52 points on the opening weekend, opened up a 13-0 lead thanks to two penalties by Alex Mawdsley and a try by Toby Knowles, converted by Mawdsley.

Pethy hit back with a try from Arron Gibbs, converted by Jack Rees, who then slotted a penalty to reduce the deficit to just three points.

Devonport hit the ground running after the break and tries from Scott Bennett and Jake Inglies helped open up a 34-13 lead.

Aiden Cotton scored Pethy’s second try of the afternoon, either side of two more Rees penalties, but the Devon outfit had the last word with a try from Corey Jamieson.

North Petherton first team manager Andrew Ford said: “They were a well-drilled side who took their chances well.

“We had two injuries in our backs and ended up with a flanker on the wing.

“We also played the last 20 minutes with 14 men due to only being allowed three subs at this level.

“They were a good side and we didn’t front up defensively.”

This Saturday, Pethy go looking for their first win of the season as they travel to Weston Hornets.

On Sunday, North Petherton Ladies lost 47-17 at Chew Valley Cats in Women’s NC South West 1.

North Petherton return to South West 1 league action on October 6 at home to Westbury.