Bristol Harlequins Colts 29 Taunton Colts 22

Watching the colts is always an excitement as they play from the heart with freedom and yet there was a structure to the Taunton side as we saw an array of potential talent for the future.  The role of the club is now to keep that talent and provide opportunity for them to develop that future for many years to come.  Taunton dominated the early exchanges and it was only some determined defence by Harlequins which kept Taunton out.  Eventually the pressure told and Hooker Will Allway taking route one could not be stopped and the try was scored. Harlequins did have some good possession but the Taunton defence was good and when attacking in the Taunton 22metre area a strong tackle by Charlie Harris dislodged the ball which Theo Bellamy picked up, he rolled through one tackle and then the next before speeding away the whole length of the field before timing a superb pass to Freddie McNab to score the try.  Harlequins then pulled one try back which was converted but second row Sam leach who appears in the ruck or in the centre and seemed to have boundless energy and skills went in for the try taking Taunton to 15 points with three unconverted tries. Harlequins came back and on 39 minutes scored a second try which was converted to take them within one point of Taunton at half time.  We then saw Harlequins given a penalty and one of the Taunton players politely asked what the infringement was and ten further metres were marched and with the tap and go Harlequins took the lead with a third converted try.  It was then a kick over the top from Harlequins which they followed up.  The Taunton wing covered back dropped on the ball but was not allowed to get up, whistle goes surely a penalty to Taunton but no Harlequins penalty for not releasing and with a quick tap and go a score in the corner.  Surely no way back for Taunton.  Harlequins again give a kickover the top but this time fielded by the Taunton full back Jonnie Sibanda Jenkins who eluded several players down the left wing before taking a  huge no arms tackle from a very large prop forward plus some other unpleasant foul play which resulted in a penalty to Taunton and a red card for the Harlequins player. A tap and give the ball to Charlie Harris who taking route one was unstoppable a fourth try and bonus point which Will Neal converted.  Just one score in the game when Taunton conceded a penalty which Harlequins kicked the goal.  Some strong running from Taunton and a dive for the corner.  Touch Judge signalled a try Referee ruled no try stating he hit the corner flag first.  With the try and conversion the game would have been level instead the Taunton Colts come away with a losing bonus point and a try bonus point.  What a fantastic achievement.

This Sunday they are home to Winscombe and the following Sunday they are away to Clevedon so why not come and support your next generation.

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