Winscombe ran in six tries at Taunton to come away 32-6 winners.

Taunton 2nd XV 6 pts

Winscombe 32 pts

HELPED by some poor tackling, Taunton made a lively start and went ahead from a penalty in front of the posts.

After that Winscombe spent a lot of time on the defensive and never really took control of the game, yet still managed to score six unanswered tries.

The first scrummage of the game was won against the head and Owen Howell regathered his own chip ahead to give George House an easy run in. After a series of Winscombe errors Taunton were presented with a second penalty chance to regain the lead.

After 10 minutes of scrappy play, Joe Fisher did well to catch a Taunton clearance and quick ball at the breakdown put House in for another try. His third came eight minutes later when Fisher intercepted, before finding House for another easy run-in.

On the half-hour the pack, with young tight-head Max Young starting his first game, won their second strike against the head. Accurate passing by the backs, including a loop by James Flower, put Phil Peat in for a bonus-point try in the left corner.

Taunton spent the remainder of the half in the ascendancy and were denied tries by a well-judged interception by Peat and fine cover tackles by House, Will Higginbottom and Simon Thompson.

Winscombe made a better start to the second half and were awarded a penalty. After a series of drives they had an overlap and Will Thomas threw an excellent long pass to give Peat his second touchdown in the corner.

Taunton reverted to a simple pick and drive game which they executed efficiently. Even when hindered by the brandishing of three yellow cards, they managed to keep the ball for long periods and Winscombe had to defend with determination.

With five minutes to go, Taunton failed to find touch from a penalty kick and Flower set off on a powerful run from his own 22, which was carried on by Howell. Quick ball at the breakdown set Thomas off on a strong run and he was illegally tackled after kicking ahead.

Winscombe opted for a scrum and with Young back on again in the front row, Thomas was presented with a push-over try. Taunton finished the game camped on the Winscombe line, but could only offer constant drives around the fringes against a determined defence in which Young made a notable contribution.