Taunton RFC 48 - 18 Clevedon

Somerset Cup Final

What a cracker! It's 20 years since Taunton last lifted the cup (also at Weston-super-Mare). Then it was by a whisker, this time they cut the opposition to ribbons.

Seven scintillating tries to two. There was no stopping Taunton when they got their act together and they made it a hat trick of wins against Clevedon this season after the league double.

A tentative start - Taunton were eight points down in three minutes. Steve Johnson landed a penalty and then hacked on a Taunton fumble to score wide out.

But Taunton soon sorted themselves out. A much sharper build up than their opening salvo committed defenders and quick hands gave top try scorer, winger Ben Rudkin, enough space to dive into the corner.

Full back Matt Ayres, who was to have an excellent match after his early mistake, slotted the conversion from the touchline and then put Taunton ahead with a 13th minute penalty.

Johnson briefly restored Clevedon's lead when Taunton were penalised for obstruction but Taunton's power up front was beginning to weaken the opposition. Man of the match, No.8 Tex Raratabu, who crossed the gain line every time he got the ball, scattered defenders on a blistering run from a scrummage on the halfway line to put fly half Jon Martin over.

Then eight phases of pick and drives sucked in enough opponents and flanker Tom O'Keefe crashed over; Ayres added the kick.

Fortunately for Taunton, an interception by Clevedon failed for a lack of pace and Raratabu again split them apart for Rudkin to replicate his earlier score, his 15th try of the season.

The second session started quietly - the lull before the storm - Raratabu once more took Clevedon apart, this time bulldozing over for his 11th try of the season. Slick and speedy handling across the threes then saw Ayres dive over and he again crossed the line when centre Simon Martin's chip ahead bounced kindly for him.

Ayres converted all three tries for a personal haul of 23 points. Hopefully he will replicate this performance when playing for the Colts against Weston in the Colts County Cup semi-final this Wednesday.

Clevedon refused to throw in the towel and after laying siege to Taunton's try line for the last 10 minutes, Dave Rawle burrowed over for a consolation try, converted by Johnson.

The match was policed by three members of the Somerset Referees Society, whistler Tony Spreadbury and, manning the lines, co-referees Jerry Wallis and Lloyd Jackson.

"Spreaders" who has refereed international matches worldwide is retiring at the end of the season. His easy manner, vast knowledge of the game and his rapport with players and spectators alike will be sorely missed.

Coach Danny Thomas will have been delighted with his team's all round excellence and will want to finish the season in style against Brixham at home on Saturday and finally away at Yatton the week after.

Bill Luckett