Taunton Wanderers Vs Crewkerne

The Wanderers made the short trip to Crewkerne on Saturday and, as has proven so many times this season so far, the game was a physical and bruising encounter that went down to the wire showing great depth and versatility a number of players were playing in positions that might not have been their first choice, and we were delighted to welcome Zack and Louis into the squad for their club debuts.

Playing down the slight slope in the first half it was Taunton who broke the deadlock, Sarge made a tackle, scored a well finished try and subsequently converted it…not behaviour we are used to from the Wanderers fly half position….but the 0-7 score was just reward for an upbeat and energetic start to the game. The set pieces were fairly even, Crewkerne had the advantage in the line out while the Taunton pack were enjoying scrum time and,in a game played in wet conditions, both were proving pivotal.

Taunton struck again just before the half time whistle when Zack claimed a try on his debut to cap a fine display. This time the conversion was wide leaving the half time score 0-12.

Crewkerne came out firing in the second half in front of an ever increasingly boisterous home crowd, the 16th man proving crucial as Crewkerne started out on their comeback into the game. It was the home side who capped a fine run of phase play to register their first try of the game,the conversion bringing the score to within 5 points. Taunton then took the chance to extend the lead again with a penalty and at 7-15 once again had some breathing space.

Taunton had two players sent to the sin bin in the second half. Firstly Flynnie had a ten minute break for a late tackle and, whilst he was off the pitch, Squiddy soon followed for using boots on the floor on the blind side of a ruck. Never the less the Taunton defence was admirably holding up in the subsequent pressure and was holding firm.

Crewkerne hit back shortly after with a penalty of their own to bring the game within one score and then set about seeking the match winning score. Eventually the pressure on the Taunton defence told and a line break from 40 yards saw what proved to be the match winning score. The try tied the game at 15-15 and a cool conversion under pressure took them into the lead forthe first time in the 79th minute.

There was only just enough time for the restart and as the ball got knocked on the referee blew the final whistle to the delight of the home support. Once again this was a hard result for the Wanderers to swallow but this is the right league to be in and we know that if our performances carry on at this level the results will soon turn around. Every player stood up well, especially in such a tough defensive effort, and we are looking forward to welcoming Crewkerne to the Towergate Stadium in 2020 for the return game. An excellent game all round and a great advert for Somerset 1 rugby.

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