Regional 2 Tribute South West: North Petherton 24-22 Wellington

Freezing cold conditions couldn’t stop the Petherton game from going ahead at the weekend as large fog and what looked like snow on the pitch turned the game into quite the show.

Despite the conditions the turn out was tremendous, the Fans braved the cold as the Oaks looked to get back to winning ways in the league.

There was a few changes to the squad as injuries and unavailability ruled some players out.

Captain Adam Conybeare missed this week, but Ollie Manchip stepped up with his first Men’s start in his place.

And George Rowe stepped back into the 10 shirt after a week off, while Will Ecclestone returnsed after having an interesting concussion.

The game started in standard Pethy fashion, slow, a few silly mistakes and Wellington were leading comfortably, entering into the 2nd half with a 19-7 lead, and soon made it 22-7.

The Chiefs took control early on with tries from skipper Danny Lee and Cam Venn, the first of which was converted by Rob Hooper.

But that North Petherton fight prevailed once again, as George Inoke and Harry Love drove over the line in similar fashions to score.

With the earlier Will Ecclestone try coming from another well executed forwards move in the form of a lineout maul.

When Hooper kicked a penalty, the Chiefs looked on their way to victory as with 3 successful conversions Petherton were still left just 1 point down. A huge penalty win inside the 22 left them with a kick at goal in a makeable position.

Up steps Ollie Manchip, the 18 year old has impressed once again, with this just his 2nd men’s game, and 1st Start. Maintaining composure he slots the kick with ease.

Despite the fight from Wellington, North Petherton held out until the end, with George Rowe kicking it out the end the game, fans and players quickly made their way inside into the warmth, where celebrations begun.

All in all it was a very strong win for North Petherton against a spirited Wellington Chiefs side.

The result sees Pethy move up to fifth place in the league table while Wellington drop in to eighth place.

Wellington 2nds’ home game against Petherton 2nds was frozen off while there was no game for the Colts.