Winscombe recorded a comfortable victory at home to Taunton.

Winscombe 41 pts

Taunton 2nds 3 pts

WINSCOMBE entertained Taunton and ran out comfortable winners.

The first attacking opportunity came after two minutes when a characteristic tackle and turnover by Owen Howell drew a penalty. With Simon Thomson, captain Dan Fryer and Adam Scrase again forming the front row, the scrummage looks likely to be an important source of possession this season.

They took one against the head on the Taunton 22 and after vice-captain Will Thomas’ attempt to use the narrow side failed, the ball was recycled and Howell barged his way to the line.

He was stopped just short but kept possession and Thomas picked up to crash over, converted by Steve Pugh. The second try seven minutes later also came from solid scrummage ball, with Rhys Lewis scoring in the corner, converted by Pugh.

Taunton replied with a penalty, but Winscombe hit back with a Stuart Warren turnover for Dan Salway to feed Howell, who charged 40 metres to touch down, converted by Pugh.

Undeterred by shipping a couple of soft tries, Taunton had the better of the rest of the half, but the half closed with Pugh kicking a penalty.

Winscombe stretched their lead with a bonus-point try only four minutes after the restart when James Flower made an incisive run on the counter and set up Aled Corcoran to cross in the corner.

Another counter from halfway with good handling by Cameron Lapes, Pugh, Howell and Flower nearly produced a fifth try, but they were penalised at the breakdown and Taunton cleared their lines.

Another runaway maul gained 40 metres, allowing Thomas to drive off it for his brace. Pugh’s conversion took the score to 36-3. Despite a string of injuries, Taunton held their own for most of the final quarter.

The home side finished the scoring after good hands by Merryfield, Thompson, Scrase and Andy Ball freed Lewis for his second try.