Taunton Muskets face Bristol Brunels at Victoria Park

Across two very competitive games there was little margin for error, and that was reflected in the final scores - the Muskets winning the first game 18-17 and the Brunels holding on to win the second 18-16.

The difficulties of the last year and a half seemed a distant memory looking across a sun-baked Victoria park on Sunday afternoon, with children’s football lessons, American football practice and competitive baseball providing the park with a level of activity not seen for quite a while.

For the Taunton Muskets it was an important moment, hosting only their second game in the park in two years, and showing that non-traditional sports can thrive if given support from local bodies.

In front of a modest crowd of passers by and local residents, Taunton did their best to put on a show, helped by a very strong Bristol side pushing them in both games.

Game one saw pitcher Jake Palmer continue his impressive start to the season, securing his third win.

He was helped by a very good team batting performance and some timely plays in the field, notably a key catch by Josh Farmer on the fence in right field.

GRIN: Taunton Muskets' Chris Cranmer

The second game was a bit more frenetic, as Al Troake took to the mound and could count himself unlucky to come out on the losing side.

Unfortunately for him the Brunels were keyed in at the plate and jumped on any little error in the field.

The Muskets will test themselves on the road against the so far unbeaten Cardiff Merlins this Sunday, June 27.

The Welsh side currently top the Severn division in the South West and Wales League, while the Muskets lead the Wessex division.

EYES ON THE BALL: Bobby Porter steps up to the plate for Taunton

CATCH IT!: Taunton Muskets' Russell Chorley

ON THE RUN: Alan Trunks

FOCUS: Mark Cross