Taunton II 3 - Gordano 43

Despite a strong start to the season and a good recent record down in Taunton Gordano remained weary of a potential upset. Possible fears were swept aside early on however when a powerful run from Tim Statton resulted in big second rower Marcus Stratton powering over from close range within the first couple of minutes. This was backed up shortly after by Statton himself after a clean line break and chip ahead by Lee Worgan found its way into the back rows hands. Rowsal with both conversions for a 0-14 lead after 7 minutes.

the dominant running of the Gordano pack continued and Taunton had few answers as wave after wave of pressure culminated with Tom Arnal stretching out over the try line. Gordano discipline then started to drop and gave away a few penalties which allowed Taunton some much needed possession, after a couple of attempts at the Gordano line the home side opted to take the three points and try to build a comeback. This did spark some life into Taunton however a lose pass in midfield was pounced on by Rowsal who skated in under the posts to add another 7 points to his already impressive points tally. Frustration then started to kick in for the home side who received a yellow card for excessive use of the boot at the breakdown which meant they finished the half with 14 men. 3-26

The second half was fairly disjointed with a number of substitutions on both sides - one of the Gordano replacements, Jack Thomas was the next over the line following a well executed driving maul deep into the Taunton 22. Gordano's new flying Irishman Gav Dungan got his hands on the ball from a lose Taunton kick and showed his pace to beat the oncoming defender and take play 40 metres down the pitch, unfortunately the ball was fumbled and Gordano failed to convert that particular opportunity. Almost the next attack however resulted in winger Owen Abbott dotting down to take the score up to 3-38 where it remained until the 73rd minute when the back line again managed to work the ball out to Dungan who finished neatly in the corner for his first first team try, Rowsal adding the extras for a 3-43 victory.

Gordano showed enough quality early on to get a solid 5 points and maintain their unbeaten start to the season, they are looking forward to putting in a performance at home next week against Minehead barbarians.