Old Reds 19 Taunton Warriors 47

This game was full of excitement, entertainment, skills and speed.  For the first 15 minutes the Warriors were put under the cosh by Old Reds and there was a need to dig in and consolidate.  It was having the presence of some older players who were able just to bring these young players back and to start winning the ball.  The first try came when Matthew Whitlock covering back collected the ball made a half break and passed to fullback Jackson Hurley and by shear pace completely left the Old Reds defence groping at shadows to score the opening try which Matthew converted to give the Warriors their first try.  There was some outstanding play from the forwards who were winning the lineouts and dominating the scrums and so it was against the run of play when Old Reds intercepted a pass to race away and score the try.  Old Reds with the wind behind them were trying to gain territory but if the ball went into touch for a Warriors lineout, they were secure in winning the ball and there was nota threat.  They did however give away a number of penalties which allowed Old Reds to relieve their lines.  It was a kick deep into the Warriors 22metrearea that Jackson Hurley collected with a cry from the coaches take them on which he did racing over the halfway line before passing to Ethan Smalley to score the try which Matthew converted.  Again, from a kick which Jackson took he raced at the opposition before passing on to Ben Heath who with his traditional sidestep and pace raced away to make a well-timed pass to William Aylen to score on the 33-minute mark.  This time Matthew just missed the conversion.  It seems we have hookers whoare very capable of supporting our centres and wings so it was no surprise when William used his speed on the wing and drew his last line of defence beforepassing inside to hooker Oliver Jefferey for the fourth and bonus point try which Matthew converted.  This brought the half to a close with the Warriors leading 26-points to 5.

It was Old Reds who opened the scoring in the second half after just 8-minutes with a try which was converted but it was not long before the Warriors were on the scoresheet again when Alex Long caught a good ball to the back of the lineout setting up the driving maul for the Warriors to go in for their fifth try of the afternoon which again Matthew converted.  The sixth try came from a snipe around the base of the maul by Ollie Guest and screams from a proud mother shouting “go for it baby guest” which he did as by strength and pace he scored the try  for Matthew to add another conversion.  Try number seven came from the Warriors team captain Oliver Wrelton who showed real pace coming into the line to score the try. With 14-minutes left the Warriors seemed to ease off and with just two minutes left of the game Old Reds scored their third try.  Their coaches were screaming at them to goal out for the fourth but the Warriors stood up to the defensive test and kept them out.

There is some outstanding talent in this Warriors team and there was some other good talent who travelled with the team waiting to get their chance.  If we are able to keep them together and fit spectators will see some entertaining and skilful rugby.  It was a real pleasure to see the experience of older players like Charles Tribble, Alex Spurdle and Sam Snell helping out our younger players.  We know about Ben Heath but the talent within the rest of the back line is very exciting. Oliver Barber at number eight is a real good prospect but a big thank you to all of that team for the level of fitness and determination demonstrated to us few but faithful spectators.  Next week is Bridgwater at home and we look forward to a full house for what could be an exciting team and exciting game.

To finish many of you who looked at the result and the table may be asking the question why we won with five league points but sit near the bottom of the table with zero points.  Last season for one game we were unable to field a team as we did not have a recognised front row able to play and had to forfeit the game and would have had 5 points deducted.  However, the league officials decided that deducting 5 points from us last season would not have affected our position in the league so have carried it forward to this season.  We have therefore started the season with -5points which leaves us now with 0 points. It means we have got rid of our overdraft and start earning again.