Taunton Vs Blackheath

The 16 points from “Man of the Match” Frankie Dart were not enough to save Taunton from defeat at home in this their first match of the season.  However, they did salvage a try bonus point by scoring 5 tries and a losing bonus point by only being three points adrift at the end of the game.

The game started so well with Taunton dominating possession in the first five minutes but a break away try by Blackheath winger Leo Fielding gave Blackheath a five-point lead.  This did not last long as on the ten-minute mark Sam Prior took the ball and instead of driving through the opposition sidestepped off his right foot, standing up the opposition, changing his angle of running to make a break of 40 metres before making a well-timed pass to Frankie Dart, who used his speed to score under the posts.  A try which he converted to give Taunton a two-point lead.  Half-way through the first half and some pressure by the Taunton pack released Dan Martin for Taunton’s second try which Frankie converted to extend the lead to 14-points to5.  This lead lasted only 2-minutes when Taunton gave away a penalty for Blackheath to kick for the line out which resulted in a try for the Blackheath number 8, Stephen Leonard, which was converted, and reduced the lead to just two-points.  This was disappointing as in the whole game Taunton only gave away 5 penalties to 15 given away by Blackheath.  Taunton however responded to restore their 7-point lead when Isaac Dalton went in for a try which Frankie converted.  Taunton were comfortable having more of the possession and defending any ball won by the opposition and seemed to beheading for half time with a good lead.  With just 5-minutes of the half left, Jake Hennessey the Blackheath fullback took a ball on the switch and went through a gap to feed on to Jack Daly the Blackheath scrumhalf who scored to reduce their deficit to just 5-points.  With the final whistle about to go Hennessey executed the same move again only scoring himself this time for a try which was converted, and Blackheath went in at halftime with a 3-point lead.

Blackheath started the second half as they had finished the first and within nine minutes had scored two tries through scrumhalf Daly and suddenly, they had a fifteen-point cushion.  Taunton pressed and Blackheath gave away more penalties.  Taunton were seeking that fourth try and came close but it was not achieved, until Captain Charlie Wright went in for a try with 73-minutes on the clock.  Frankie who had kicked superbly all afternoon missed the conversion but made up for that on 78-minutes when he scored and converted his own try by very rapidly dropkicking the conversion.  With just a minute left Taunton pressed but gave away a penalty allowing Blackheath to clear their line and come away the winners.

Whilst Taunton lost the game there were many positives to take away.  Five front row forwards who were able to change throughout the afternoon seamlessly.  Harry Wright whose catching in the lineout was outstanding as was other members of the team.  Two excellent scrumhalf’s who could play in the centre as well as at the base of the scrum to give recovery time to the incumbent centres.  A fullback who was secure and looked dangerous in attack, two wings with a little more space will score.  A very interchangeable back row but finally attitude which was totally positive throughout and I know that if those in the crowd follow that positive attitude that will only support the team.

Next week The Titans are at Plymouth and for those who do not travel away, it would be great for you to come and watch more entertaining rugby with the Warriors.  They scored 6 tries yesterday in their first win of the season and will be looking for a second win against Minehead Barbarians.  Kick off 3pm and entry is free.

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