JUNIOR stars from North Petherton put in a determined performance at the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup earlier this month.

Pethy took to the pitch at an event hosted by Exeter Chiefs, helping celebrate the 12th season of the nationwide grassroots rugby initiative.

North Petherton demonstrated plenty of effort and skill in the under-11 competition but fell just short of earning a trip to the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final on June 20, with Saltash taking that honour instead.

But, despite missing out on a place at Twickenham, North Petherton player Freddy was still proud of his side’s performances.

The 10-year-old said: “I like everything about rugby and I really enjoyed everything about the day, we really tried hard.

“My favourite Premiership team is Bath and my favourite player in the game is Bath’s Jonathan Joseph.

“He’s a number 13, but I’m not sure what position I want to play just yet.

“I’ve enjoyed watching him play in Japan.”

Land Rover has heritage in rugby at all levels; from grassroots to elite, sharing and understanding the values at the heart of the game.

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South West 1 West

Thornbury 35, North Petherton 6

NORTH Petherton’s 1st XV were beaten at leaders Thornbury on Saturday.

Pethy dominated early territory but were made to pay for a knock-on as Alfie Richardson capitalised to open the scoring on six minutes.

Mike Johnson’s converted try made it 14-0 before a Jack Rees penalty got Pethy on the board before the break.

The visitors continued to enjoy good possession but the home side defended valiantly and extended their lead through tries from James Phillips and Sam Evans, either side of a second Rees penalty for Pethy.

Sam Poustie’s interception try in added time completed the scoring.

Pethy are without a match this weekend.

North Petherton 2nds went down 36-5 at home to Wellington 2nds in Somerset 1 and also have an upcoming free weekend.