Exmouth 16 - 14 Taunton RFC

After the excellent opening to the new season the previous week, when Taunton ran in nine tries against Hornets, they were brought down to earth with a bump last Saturday.

In their previous four visits to the Cockles, Taunton have come away with the points only once and were hoping they could repeat their 25-16 win, 18 months ago.

But it was not to be and it's back to the drawing board.

Taunton started well, dominating the first quarter, particularly up front, but afterwards rarely seemed to get out of second gear.

John Martin landed two penalties during that early period but Exmouth, who won their opening game 25-0 at Newton Abbot, were in front at the interval.

Richard Caddywould replied with a penalty, converted Dave Sleeman's try and then slotted another penalty.

Taunton were back in the hunt in the second session when No.8 Tex Raratabu picked up at the base of a scrum and sprinted 22 metres for a trademark score.

On the hour, stand-off Martin kicked his third penalty and the visitors went ahead.

The lead was short-lived. Five minutes later, Caddywould dropped a goal from long range to give the hosts a cushion of two points which they held onto until the final whistle.

Perhaps, with hindsight, Taunton should have attempted a kickable penalty during the last 15 minutes instead of a kick to touch to set up a drive which brought no reward. Exmouth also failed with a shot at goal but had done enough for the victory.

On Saturday Taunton entertain St. Mary's Old Boys who completed the double against them last season. Hopefully the result will be reversed this time around.

Somerset Two (South) in which Taunton United play, again saw an avalanche of points with the five winning teams averaging 75 and the losers 4. More evidence of mismatches which are no good for players on either side and total boredom for any spectators who make the mistake of turning up.

The Wanderers who appear in Somerset Three (South), which seems to be a little better balanced, won 43-0 at Wells III, whereas the United put 107 points past Wells seconds.

Bill Lucket