United On The Up After Victory At Tor

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Back in September the 2nd XV management team of Eddie Cooper, Russell Gibson, and Mark Hawkes speculated that it would probably be January before the United would be in a stronger position regarding players, structure, and the manner in which they played.

There have been promising patches in the last four or five weeks for the United. When they play with confidence, understanding and structure they are starting to be worthy opposition for other teams in the league.

After a sticky start, during which Tor scored two early tries and a conversion, the United began to think about the 50/50 balls they often throw away and instead kept things tight, passing when the support was close and in the right areas of the pitch.

The contribution of the back row as a unit was quite outstanding, and they were ably supported by the halfbacks of Miller and Dean who are starting to show signs that they have much to offer.

There are still things to work on, especially in defence, and there is still the problem of getting the same team out on a weekly basis. But who said it was going to be easy?

The United were just behind at half time, but at the end of a hugely competitive game, and a flurry of yellow cards, the best team won. The performance was built around a strengthening team mentality, but Toots and Spencer were quite outstanding.

There was a cameo from George Cooper, and some of the rugby on display was a real pleasure to watch.

The side is now made up of a group of players who play for each other. There are some fast-developing colts, some exciting new additions, those returning from long-term injury, plus some genuine belief and this has made a real difference to an evolving side. 

The hard work needed to win fixtures is starting to manifest itself, with a close game against a strong Weston United side last week, and an excellent gritty win against Tor this past Saturday at Glastonbury. However there is still much to do.

Coach Mark Hawkes said, "I'm very proud of the team, they earned their result. They are starting to realise this is their team and what they do matters."

The team scored four tries against Tor and thoroughly deserved their victory. The forwards worked hard at the set piece, especially in the scrimmage, and captain Mills led by example yet again. The foundations are taking shape but lets not run before we can walk.

Final Score: Tor 22 - Taunton United 26

Man of the match - Toots Vakalutukali