Taunton RFC 24 - 19 Brixham

With nothing to play for, league-wise, a low key game was on the cards. Far from it. This was a full-on, red blooded affair, where both clubs got stuck into each other from the start and the big crowd was treated to a feast of all round rugby.

Both sides spread the ball wide at every opportunity and were quite happy to mix it up front. No prisoners taken.

Three were casualties but you can't make an omelette without cracking eggs.

Taunton's man of the match in the previous Sunday's Somerset Cup Final victory, No.8 Tex Raratabu, was first to leave the battlefield with a neck injury and in the second session, prop Chris Phillips hobbled off with a dodgy knee. Several others were walking wounded but soldiered on.

The Fishermen had the best of a wind assisted first half although the score was level at the break. Fly half Ross Edwards opened their account in the 12th minute with an interception which full back Ben Lovell converted from beneath the posts.

Twenty minutes later from a lineout drive and the resultant scrummage, Taunton's pack power was rewarded with a penalty try, converted by full-back Matt Ayres.

Brixham were back in front from another interception early in the second 40. Edwards followed the runner, took the pass and chipped ahead to touch down.

Taunton's opposite number 10 Jon Martin then landed a penalty and converted lock Ross Ward's try after eight phases of pick and drives took the ball to the visitors' line.

They were forced to make a number of positional changes and used all three replacements but made light of the disruptions.

With 15 minutes left, a penalty to touch set up another lineout catch and drive, a Taunton speciality this season, and Brixham were powerless as the phalanx rumbled over for hooker Boschie Muller to claim the try. Martin again converted.

But Brixham refused to throw in the towel. A slick handling build-up was again chipped behind the defence by Edwards and his hat trick of tries was in the bag. Lovell added the two points and the visitors were back in the game.

The final 10 minutes was all Brixham as they laid siege to the home try line and went for broke. But Taunton's defence was up to the challenge and the crowd retired happily to the clubhouse.

As expected, Barnstaple secured second place in the league table behind top dogs Exmouth and will meet Salisbury in the play off.

Whatever the result of Taunton's final game of the season at Yatton, they will finish in third place.

Both United and Wanderers have topped their respective Somerset divisions scoring over 2,000 points between them. Hopefully their promotions will lead to more competitive action next season and fewer walkovers.

Sadly, head player/coach Danny Thomas will be leaving the club at the end of the season. His on-field involvement has been curtailed by a serious neck injury. He will be sorely missed on both fronts by all the players and supporters who wish him well for the future.

Bill Luckett