Sat 2 Sep 2023
Sidmouth have never lost at North Petherton, but every game has been a close run thing and this season opener was no exception. The Chiefs were never behind but every time they looked to be pulling away, the home side closed the gap.
The Chiefs opened their account after just three minutes when they drove a lineout maul 15 metres for Asa Unsworth to touch down for an unconverted try. A few minutes later, North Petherton replied with a penalty.
The Chiefs continued to dominate proceedings and Dan Armstrong crossed from close range but was prevented from grounding the ball.
They eventually increased the lead with the try of the match came from a move started deep inside their own half. The ball was move to the left and then to the right where Tom Mead beat two defenders on his way to touch down under the posts. Jake Allen converted.
On the half hour, North Petherton produced a good handling move of their own when a long pass found the left winger in space to score in the corner. The fly half added the conversion.
North Petherton were soon back pressing in the Sidmouth 22, and it was against the run of play that the Chiefs increased their lead when the ball was dropped just inside the Sidmouth half. Rory O’Brien hacked the ball on for Cameron Grainger to follow up and score. The conversion opened up a 19-10 halftime lead.
North Petherton were back in contention soon after the restart when missed tackles enabled the number eight to run in from halfway for a converted try.
The Chiefs were on top for much of the middle of the half and eventually extended their lead when the ball was progressed through many phases to create an overlap for Ollie Hansford-Harvey to touch down in the left corner. A Jason Allen penalty increased the lead going into the final quarter.
The gap was closed to three points again when a dummy scissors move sent the full back through a gap in the centre for a converted try.
The game was won and lost in the ten minutes of injury time when the Chiefs defence held out against a long period of pressure on their line before they were able to turn over possession and clear the danger.
On Saturday the Chiefs travel to Wellington.
The Quins entertain Teignmouth 2nds kicking off at 3pm.
The Colts travel to Crediton.
The Chiefs opened their account after just three minutes when they drove a lineout maul 15 metres for Asa Unsworth to touch down for an unconverted try. A few minutes later, North Petherton replied with a penalty.
The Chiefs continued to dominate proceedings and Dan Armstrong crossed from close range but was prevented from grounding the ball.
They eventually increased the lead with the try of the match came from a move started deep inside their own half. The ball was move to the left and then to the right where Tom Mead beat two defenders on his way to touch down under the posts. Jake Allen converted.
On the half hour, North Petherton produced a good handling move of their own when a long pass found the left winger in space to score in the corner. The fly half added the conversion.
North Petherton were soon back pressing in the Sidmouth 22, and it was against the run of play that the Chiefs increased their lead when the ball was dropped just inside the Sidmouth half. Rory O’Brien hacked the ball on for Cameron Grainger to follow up and score. The conversion opened up a 19-10 halftime lead.
North Petherton were back in contention soon after the restart when missed tackles enabled the number eight to run in from halfway for a converted try.
The Chiefs were on top for much of the middle of the half and eventually extended their lead when the ball was progressed through many phases to create an overlap for Ollie Hansford-Harvey to touch down in the left corner. A Jason Allen penalty increased the lead going into the final quarter.
The gap was closed to three points again when a dummy scissors move sent the full back through a gap in the centre for a converted try.
The game was won and lost in the ten minutes of injury time when the Chiefs defence held out against a long period of pressure on their line before they were able to turn over possession and clear the danger.
On Saturday the Chiefs travel to Wellington.
The Quins entertain Teignmouth 2nds kicking off at 3pm.
The Colts travel to Crediton.
