BRIDGWATER & Albion director of rugby Geoff Sluman had no complaints after their derby defeat to North Petherton on Friday, writes Richard Walsh.

Sluman said: “For the neutral supporter this would have been a great game of rugby, but there could not have been many neutrals at the game.

“The ground was full of supporters for each side, all of whom witnessed a great game of rugby between two sides who were each committed to their cause.

“It was fantastic for all the players to play in front of a large crowd.

READ MORE: Pethy win see-saw encounter to claim bragging rights

“During the match the advantage changed hands several times in what was an extremely competitive game, which considering the physicality of the contact areas was going to be a game of attrition.”

Sluman added: “Of course we are disappointed with the end result but we have no complaints.

“The difference between the two sides was probably that North Petherton took all their chances and created some chances that in all honesty we should not have given them.

“In addition, we did not take all our opportunities and so we left some points out on the pitch.

“It is a really good atmosphere playing under lights on a Friday and also facilitates the larger crowd that is good for both clubs.

“Everyone focuses on the league, but this fixture also counted towards the Somerset Cup.

“The Somerset Cup is a competition with a lot of history and I would not want that competition overlooked.

“We wish Pethy well in the semi-final and, hopefully, the final, too.”

He continued: “We remain in fourth place in the league, with the teams directly above us being Okehampton and St Ives.

“We play those two teams in our next two fixtures, hosting Okehampton this Saturday and visiting St Ives on Saturday, December 1.

“Therefore, some may think it doesn’t get any easier, and while that is certainly true, this group of players look forward to playing the teams above us, as it gives us a real opportunity.”

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Bridgwater Mercury:

KEY MAN: Mitchell Needham stretches to score Petherton 2nds' bonus-point try on Saturday. Pic: Chris Hancock

MITCHELL Needham scored two tries and set up another as North Petherton 2nds earned a bonus-point win at home to Somerset 1 opponents Bath Old Edwardians on Saturday.

Lewis Bains touched down Pethy’s first before Needham sprinted clear for his first.

Needham then kicked through for Mike Stevens to score in the corner, and then stretched over himself to seal the bonus point and a 26-19 win.

The result sees Pethy sit fourth in the Somerset 1 standings; they are without a match this Saturday, but the following Friday they go to Bridgwater & Albion 2nds.

Also in Somerset 1, Bridgwater & Albion’s 2nd XV remain second from bottom, after losing 33-20 at Keynsham 2nds.

This Saturday they host Crewkerne.

In Somerset 2 South, Morganians were edged out 19-10 away to Winscombe 2nds on Saturday, leaving them fifth in the table.

Albion 3rds were unable to raise a side to play Taunton 3rds; they are bottom of the table on -15 points.

This coming Saturday, providing they can get a team together, they go to Wiveliscombe 2nds.

On Sunday, North Petherton Ladies were awarded an away walkover against Oakmeadians.

They sit third in South West 1, and this Sunday they host St Mary’s Old Boys.