Taunton Warriors 27 Imperial 29

This game saw the introduction of Oliver Davies, a new prospect in the centre for the Warriors.  It was his first game in senior rugby having turned 18 in February and his pace and ball handling skills saw him score two well taken tries.  This does not tell the full story as his first try was whilst playing in the centre where he made break and completely outpaced the defence to score, his second was whilst playing at prop where he used his strength and physique around the base of the maul. 

Imperial opened the scoring after only four minutes with an unconverted try and followed this just four minutes later with a converted try to give them a twelve-point lead.  It was then rugby which took over the game with the Warriors recycling the ball faster and spreading it wide. This expansive rugby pulled a try back on sixteen minutes by Tom Labdon one o four two young second rows who were completely dominating the lineouts.  This was followed very quickly by a second which was scored by Tom Popham and demonstrated how his knowledge and skills to be able to create gaps. The game very quickly changed after this point when we saw hooker Liam Dray lifted after the tackle and dropped on his head.  He was concussed and had to leave the field, but this resulted in a change to the front row with Jo Elsworth coming into hooker.

It was the disruption of the front row which gave Imperial an advantage as Josh Court the prop had to leave the field with an ankle injury moving one of the backs into hooker with Jo Elsworth moving to prop.  The Warriors who have demonstrated tremendous versatility still spread the ball and Oliver went in for his first try to give Taunton the lead.  Down went Jo Prior the other prop but in true Jo Prior style he tried to shake off the injury but as time went on and a second knock saw him leave the field. So, Josh court came back but Imperial had by this time scored their third try which was converted to give them a two-point lead.  During the scoring of that try the referee gave Jo Elsworth a yellow card which brought our debutant18-year-old into prop.  His opposite number was a former Dings and Clifton prop now playing for Imperial and he held his own.  It also meant that the Warriors had to use their last replacement, Sam Knott.  The Warrior’s pack was holding out well and from a driving maul and ruck Oliver was able to score his second try and the fourth for the Warriors to give them a try bonus point and a one-point lead.  The Warrior’s gave away a penalty which was converted and so Imperial were back in the lead.  Step up Sam (pine tree)Knott who used his power to go over under the posts for a try which was converted, and the Warriors were on their way.  With the 40 minutes on the clock the Warriors gave away a penalty and Imperial opted for the scrum and three penalties later from alleged scrum offences Imperial went over to level the scores.  With the last kick of the game Imperial kicked the conversion to leave the final score Taunton Warriors 27 Imperial 29.

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