A 16-YEAR-OLD from Norton Fitzwarren refereed her first adult rugby match over the weekend.

Bethanie Wilson, who attends Taunton Academy, is determined not to let her age hold her back and took charge of North Petherton Vets v Okehampton Vets at Beggars Brook on Saturday.

Wilson coaches and referees within the youth section at North Petherton, but this was a different kettle of fish.

Wilson said: "I really enjoyed it.

"They were all very respectful and although they did query a couple of decisions they were quite polite about it and I didn't feel intimidated.

"It was different from my usual matches, as the under-7s play tag rugby and this was full contact, but I felt I got to grips with it.

"I hope they thought I was fair, there were no touch judges so it was just me on my own but I think I did a good job of it.

"I'm hoping to be asked back and maybe to referee at other club matches."

Wilson has played rugby for five years, starting at Taunton before moving to North Petherton and then Wellington.

She recently joined Somerset Rugby Referees Society and hopes to be able to referee more adult matches later in the season.