TWO local rivals were determined to win bragging rights when North Petherton took on Burnham in the Western counties, writes Simon Freeman.

Petherton went in to this game confident after last week’s emphatic victory but were respectful and cautious of a Burnham side that lay above them in the league Burnham won the toss and chose to play with the strong wind behind them.

In the early stages Petherton’s defence was tested with high kicks and out wide, but they withstood the pressure and began to move the ball up field and in the 11th minute were awarded a penalty on the 22 in front of the posts, giving Sam Williams a simple three points.

Burnham responded immediately and in the space of six minutes had two kickable penalties by the full back, who was successful with just one.

Petherton were responsible for their own downfall as errors crept into their game either by misjudged kicks or slackness at the breakdown.

All the play remained in the Pethy 22 with Burnham pounding the try line and in 33rd minute a clear penalty try was awarded as dynamic number eight Matt Brown infringed and was sent to the bin.

Petherton failed to learn their lesson and conceded another try out wide, which was skilfully converted to make it 17-3 at half time.

The break helped the players refocus and organise the second half game plan.

The heated discussion had an immediate effect and in the 45th minute Matt Brown made up for his earlier indiscretion and scored in the corner.

The reinforced teamwork ethos kept the spirits alive and, cheered on by a boisterous crowd, Petherton refused to give in.

In the 60th minute, Tom Williams slotted over a penalty reducing the arrears 17-11.

The resulting restart then produced what is arguably the best sequence of play Petherton have shown this season, Prescott caught the ball at his ankles, took the contact and the ball switched from left to right with all the backs involved.

In his new winger role, McNellie committed the Burnham backs before it was shipped back to the right where it found Cox whose superbly timed pass put Gibbs in to space.

The powerhouse back rower in front of the Pethy supporters went on a 45-yard rampage brushing off three tacklers before returning the compliment and drawing the helpless full back to put in Cox who dotted down under the posts. T Williams converted.

In the 78th minute Burnham gave away a penalty and Williams effortlessly slotted it over to give a final score of 17-21.

A fine game of rugby played by both sides however disappointing for Burnham was dictated by the strong wind, which ensured that all but three of 38 points were scored at one end and a grandstand finish.

This is Petherton’s second win in the last week and the challenge for them is hard work at training and three consecutive victories for the first time this season.

Petherton are at home to Newquay Hornets on Saturday and at home to Taunton on Sunday in the Somerset cup.