TAUNTON thirds maintained their good run in the face of tough opposition with a 29-23 defeat of Somerton in Tribute Somerset 2 (S) yesterday.

The sun was shining and the pitch was in excellent condition for some fast, open rugby.

The game started well for Wanderers. Chris Wand at scrum half enjoyed lots of quick ruck ball and Moses Tuisawau controlled the flow at 10.

The scrummage was an even test but Aiden Cotton in the line out was superb in disrupting the opposition ball.

A quick shift up the blind side and fast hands saw tight head prop James Dean go over for an early try out wide.

The pressure kept coming but mistakes proved costly and Somerton took advantage by slotting over penalties.

Both sides were holding a solid line. The back row of Lee Stanley, Cotton and Neil Symons worked well to halt attacks with some great steals and counter rucking, And from these turn-overs Cotton bagged himself back-to- back tries.

In the second half full back Dave Whittuck ran back some wonderful deep kicks and the forwards set more phases to be spun out to wingers Adam Harvey and Alex Pride.

The scrum started to dominate and hooker Andy Farley pinched a couple while second rows Ben Goddard and Paul Cogan were superb.

Somerton kicked more penalties and grabbed a easy try from a mistake but the flyer Toby Holt got a quick pass from Mark Winter and he put the burners on to score out wide.

Wanderers needed some great cover tackles to hold Somerton but were still chasing the game themselves.

The forwards got into the corner and after several phases space opened up in midfield for Josh Perin to weave in under the posts.

A frantic last couple of minutes saw Somerton throw everything Taunton but the defence hold solid.

Taunton: 1 Wayne Wiltshire, 2 Andy Farley, 3 James Dean, 4 Ben Goddard, 5 Paddy Cogan, 6 Lee Stanley, 7 Aiden Cotton, 8 Neil Symons, 9 Mark Winter, 10 Moses Tuisawau, 11 Adam Harvey, 12 Paddy Dean, 13 Josh Perin, 14 Alex Pride, 15 Rob Miller. Replacements: Vince Carrington, Mark Winter, Gwilym Jones, Toby Holt, Dave Whittuck.