KINGSBRIDGE made the perfect start to this much-anticipated match and deservedly won by a convincing margin, writes Simon Freeman.

The top of the table side had the game pretty much wrapped up by the 19th minute with three unconverted tries.

North Petherton went into this match with six first team squad members either injured or unavailable, giving opportunities to fringe players to test themselves.

It took the home side until the 31st minute to gain possession in their opponents half and notched seven points.

The ball was secured from a lineout and, after a couple of plays, the ball was shipped wide to Roberts, who kicked through for winger Stevens to collect and score. The conversion was successful by Roberts.

In the 35th minute, a defence splitting run by Matt Brown created an overlap for others but a misplaced pass saw the ball roll into touch and let Kingsbridge off the hook.

North Petherton made ground through Ranson and Cox but the organised visitors snuffed out any chance for North Petherton to get their game plan into operation.

The second half started in the worst possible way for North Petherton as they conceded a penalty in front of the posts in their half, and the visitors extended the lead to 18-7.

North Petherton responded well and attacked Kingsbridge at every opportunity but a few dubious decisions went against them.

In the 65th minute, Kingsbridge scored a well-worked try under the posts, which was converted, but North Petherton responded within five minutes with a strong drive by Pettingell, which was converted by Roberts.

Kingsbridge scored in the corner in the game's final play as the North Petherton players fatigued and ultimately ran out of cover.

Despite the defeat, there were many positives taken from the game. Ben Sellick's lineout work and contribution in the loose, Mike Coles moving in the front row gave his opposite number plenty of problems.

Harry Roberts is looking accomplished at full back with his positional play and defensive clearance kicks.

The team showed a good spirit but the disorganised rush defence in the first quarter forced North Petherton into catch up rugby.

Match sponsor: Steve Chant and the Aller Old Boys