THORNBURY will look to build on the recent victory over Newent when they visit North Petherton on Saturday.

A win for Thornbury will consolidate their third place in the table but eighth-placed North Petherton are likely to provide sterner opposition than their league position suggests.

North Petherton are one of the most inconsistent sides in the league.

At their best they are efficient and effective based on a powerful pack, at their worst they are a shadow of the side that has been a significant addition to the league since they joined South West One West four seasons ago.

Thornbury secured the double over them last season but the previous six games between the clubs were won by North Petherton. Thornbury defeated their Somerset opponents 31-28 in the fixture at Rockhampton earlier in the season in a torrid game which was as close as the scoreline suggests.

Thornbury scored five tries, all by the forwards, with James Wood touching down for two, but North Petherton scored four of their own.

Thorns will be hoping some of their injured players will have returned as there are several players who will not be available for selection.

The result will be decided by which team turns up, in both physical and psychological terms.

One thing seems certain, it will be another close game.