THIS was a true game of two halves as Morganians and North Petherton played out an entertaining local derby.

Morganians made a credible start against North Petherton, who are currently third in the league, and dominated the forward battle.

When North Petherton’s backs had possession, they looked dangerous but found it difficult to find any real room to move on the Morganians’ narrow pitch.

Morganians missed several chances of scoring and had the ball over the line in the opening minutes after a good run by Jeff Thompson, but the ball was adjudged to be held up.

Morganians put points on the board at the end of the half with a try from scrum half Martin Callahan after the break from the back of a ruck by Roy Grimstead.

Strong words from the North Petherton coaches appeared to have the desired effect in the second half as they went straight up the field and scored through Steve Potter after a delightful passage of play.

Centre Dan Steward added the extra two points before the visitors added another try through fly half Oscar Tregenna, but the conversion was missed.

Morganians came back at North Petherton but the visitors soaked up the pressure and added another try with five minuets remaining as Steve Potter split the back line.

Morganians are away to Ivel Barbarians 2nds on Saturday while North Petherton 2nds host Minehead 2nds.

Morganians man of the match: Barry John Morganians: Barry John, Jeremy McBain, Jeff Thompson, Drew Pierce, Nigel Smith (captain), Shane Andrews, Roy Grimstead, Ryan Clarke, Martin Callahan, Matt Bell, Ewan Hyde, Nathan Chillingworth, Dave Mills, Ben Chandler, Kane Pearce.

Subs: Paul Grimstead, Simon Faber, Dan Thorne, Alex Brown, Craig Weber, John Winter, Gareth Burfitt.

North Petherton 2nds: Pocock, Murdoch, Kearle, Gingell, Steward, Sellick (Hancock), Butler, Richards, B Williams, Tregenna, Baker (R Williams), Palmer, D Steward, L Steward, Potter.