Chew Valley 47 - Taunton Utd 8 (Match Report)

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After the varied performances of this season, and the regular cry-offs following selection on a Wednesday evening, it was left to 3pm Saturday at Chew to see what happened this week. A Taunton side that again bore no similarity to that selected made its way out onto the paddock against one of the favourites to win the league.

However with the welcome return of Malcolm Pape, a player who has a terrific attitude on the pitch, John Roberts, a young man who works tirelessly, and the never say die Rennie there was a positive spin. United started well, with all the forwards competing at every breakdown with aggressive physicality. The United No. 8, Steve Amensy, featured in all that was good and showed, along with Pape, that they had the edge that was needed to give as good as they got.

Chew tried to boss the proceedings with their strong forward play and driving mauls. The key at this level is keeping the ball, accepting responsibility, and making those tackles count one or two out from the breakdown. Taunton didn't do that often enough, or as well as they should have, and were subsequently punished for it. It appears now that with the evolving offloading game everyone wants to do it!

Having worked hard to win ball the lesson this group of players need to learn is not to then give it away cheaply. The reward for all the hard work was just a Hill penalty, however a feeling that they had earned it. Though the score at half time was 18-3 to the home team, it was arguably the best half of rugby played by the United thus far this season.

In the second half lineouts continued to go with the throw and young John Roberts was regularly winning ball when he shouldn't have been; his dynamism was outstanding. There were positive signs that a belief was growing within the team that they could compete and get a result.

The front row, with 3rd XV captain Wayne Hiett making his debut, worked hard against a rugged Chew triumberate. The second row, with Steve Harris finding himself stuck in it, did some good work both in the tight and loose. He carried the ball well on occasions.

I think much can be debated about who should play and where, however it is those that are fit and turning up and, needless to say, performing that make a difference. United attacked well from broken play however lacked the ability to play through some phases, which would have made a huge difference. Late on Hill capitalised on a loose pass to intercept for a deserved team try.

This scoreline was somehwat flattering to Chew. Taunton missed some simple one-on-one tackles and ran out of steam late on. Of course, when that happens the decision making is then also effected. Overall there are still many things to work on, however this was a much better team performance and one that, although not exactly pleasing result-wise, shows real improvement. We must learn to believe in the notion that 'better never stops'.