Clevedon take losing bonus point from narrow defeat at Pethy

Tribute South West One West
North Petherton 27, Clevedon 21

CLEVEDON were left to rue a number of missed chances as they went down to a narrow defeat at North Petherton on Saturday.
Having raced into a 13-0 lead courtesy of a try from Justin Morton and eight points from the boot of Mike Taylor, North Petherton fought back to take the win, as the visitors squandered a number of golden opportunities to build a bigger lead before the break.
As they had the previous week, Clevedon were quick out of the blocks and Morton was on hand to finish a free-flowing move, involving David Price and Mike Taylor.
Taylor added the conversion and two further penalties to put Clevedon in a strong position, but North Petherton crossed on the stroke of half-time to reduce the deficit.
A Pethy penalty closed the gap further shortly after the break, before a second try gave them the lead for the first time in the game.
Two quick fire tries extended the Pethy advantage further, but Clevedon hit back again courtesy of another Taylor penalty.
The hosts crossed for their fourth try to make the score 27-16 with five minutes remaining, but Clevedon had the last say as Jon Haliburton finished well in the corner, to seal a losing bonus point.
A much improved display from Clevedon, but they must be more ruthless and clinical in future weeks.