With the weather conditions and the usual scratch side Ivel could have looked at this match with some concern. But the opposition were only a couple of places above the Ba-Ba’s and so should prove to be evenly matched. And so it did, for the first 19 minutes anyway. The play was pretty even going backwards and forwards with handling errors being the main cause of concern for both teams. Then the visitors got a penalty, right in front the posts. The points were scored and then it began.  For the rest of the half Ivel were kept at bay and North Petherton started to play free-flowing rugby. In the next 7 minutes they scored 3 tries and 2 conversions, targeting Ivel’s backs where they had been forced to field forwards, out of position. Ivel fought back as best they could but couldn’t reply.

Half Time
Ivel 2nds                 0
N Petherton 2nds  22

The second half saw some changes for Ivel as a result of injury and tactical need. Fly half Brian Charlton had to come off with an injured shoulder, forcing prop Malcolm Pain back into the action. This change, and the others, may have unsettled some teams but Ivel’s fighting spirit came through and the visitors found points harder to come by in the second half. It took them 17 minutes to add a penalty and then it wasn’t until the 79th minute before they scored again. This time an un-converted try.

Full Time
Ivel 2nds                 0
N Petherton 2nds  30

Not the result anybody at Ivel wanted but having to field 10 Veteran players along with injury returnees was never going to allow for solid teamwork from the start. But fair play to the lads, they made some exciting breaks and big tackles in defence. The score could have been a lot worse (also better), now we need to make sure we get the commitment from the players for the next game – Chard away. A match we need to win.