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North Petherton 30, Ivybridge 23

NORTH Petherton captain Damian Griffin praised the fight and determination of his troops after they battled to an impressive victory over promotion hopefuls Ivybridge, writes Simon Freeman. 

Pethy ran in four tries courtesy of James Cox (2), Damian Griffin and Gavin Hancock, while Harry Roberts kicked ten points with his trusty left boot – and Griffin said he was ‘really proud’ of his side. 

"I was really proud of the whole squad today particularly how we stuck together when we were under pressure,” he said.

“We played some solid rugby against a clever side.

“They attacked at pace and we had to work really hard to keep our shape.

“They tackle strongly but we had no shortage of guys making the tough yards and again the forwards just keep battling.

“We made a lot of good decisions today as a team and that is one of the most pleasing things."

Pethy made the best possible start with James Cox going over and soon started to become more fluid - and after a break involving Ben Tracey and Chad Lowrie, it was left for Damian Griffin to sprint over from 40 yards and dive in at the corner.

Ivybridge then gained the momentum and used their forwards to create opportunities and finally Mike Cox drove over (12-5).

The Pethy defence was excellent and kept the visitors out until Lewis Patterson dropped a goal to narrow the gap. As the first half came to the end, Ivybridge skilfully kept the Pethy defenders working and smartly scored a try through Alan Bradley to take the lead.

The second half continued to entertain as both teams went for the victory.

Pethy retook the lead after a smart counter and a moment of high quality from Gavin Hancock, who rounded one man and chipped around the next before gathering his own kick to scorch over, Roberts converted.

The tables began to turn with the Pethy forwards working overtime to keep the pressure on and another Cox try increased the lead.

Ivybridge showed why they are high in the league and responded immediately from a driving maul with Gareth Elliot getting the final touch.

The game became tense with Pethy under pressure, but centre Tito Elisara made a superb break from inside his own 22 to force a penalty, which Roberts converted to extend the lead to 27-18, beofr adding another soon after.

As the game entered the last few minutes, Ivybridge battled to the end and forced another overlap which was finished by Max Snowdon to complete the scoring and another battling Pethy performance North Petherton are holding a Sponsors day and ex-players reunion at the final game of the season on April 18.