Rugby v Taunton School

The 1st XV had to show plenty of steel and determination, but eventually overcame their opposition comfortably, with Henry Cunningham having a great game at the base of the scrum. Once we got our offload game working, we worked good tries for Henry himself, Charlie Clyde-Smith and Sam Warren, with Callum Stonier's flying tap tackle a defensive highlight. The 2nds overwhelmed their opposition, with debutant Kristian King opening the scoring within minutes. He was joined on the scoresheet by Harry Brimacombe, Henry Potter, Ben de Figueiredo, Jack Lawson, and Tom Lewis on the final whistle. The 3rds too got early points on the board through skipper Lee Paisley, then Rob Seabourne scored after an excellent dummy, followed by Tom le Gallais. Taunton School came back strongly in the second half, but had too much ground to make up.

The Senior Colts inflicted what we think is the biggest ever defeat suffered by the Taunton School Senior Colts. In a powerful display of support rugby, tries came regularly, set up as ever by a magnificent forward effort. Harry Canning scored three tries in his first outing for the Bs, in what was a very much under-strength side. Tom Smith dominated the line-out, and superior rucking and mauling set up tries for Alex Clarke and Harvey Morris. Many thanks to guest performers Will Hardwick, Kelvin Chan and David Cheung who enabled the fixture to go ahead.

The forwards really won the game for the Junior Colts, their pick and drive game providing an excellent platform for the backs to run off. Quick ball enabled Sam Merriweather and Dominic Bracher to make serious in-roads all game, and there were some excellent passages of interplay and support running. The Bs competed well and went 7-0 up early in the game. However poor tackling allowed the opposition to score, and though we battled hard in the second half, couldn't claw back the points.

The Under 14s found it tough going against a strong and powerful Taunton School side, and though the Bs had most of the pressure, they just couldn't score. Surely their luck will turn.