TAUNTON III lost 32-22 at Old Morganians in Tribute Somerset 2 (S) yesterday.

The Wanderers played their part in a very open and free flowing game but mistakes in the first 20 minutes them dear in the end.

The scrum provided a very solid platform - the front row of Wayne Wiltshire, James Dean and Vince Carrington never took a backwards step and Dean managed to take a few against the head.

The line-out also provided a quick source of ball, Andy Farley and Chris Dennehy soaring high to secure possession.

The back line enjoyed plenty of ball, Chris Wand at fly-half gave the sturdy midfield of Lee Terry and Gary Peter-Budge lots of early ball and they made good ground. Wingers Toby Holt and Lloyd Cotton showed plenty of pace, full-back Alex Pride was outstanding in defence. The early phases worked well. From an attacking scrum Dennehy came off the back and slipped through the line untouched to score a try which went unconverted.

Then the mistakes started to creep in, Old Morganians pounced and turned them into tries.

In the second half and it all started to come together for Taunton. The back row of Lee Stanley, Farley and Dennehy started to control the game by turning over lots of ball while second rows Paul Ford and Ross Harrison made huge dents in the defence with some strong runs.

The line-out was still working well but now the forwards got the big drives going,.

Dean smashed through to score an unconverted try after a maul was too much for Old Morgs to handle, unconverted.

It was more of the same for the rest of the match, lots of forward drives and superb recycling of the ball by the backs.

After a couple of close drives to the line, scrum-half Neil Symons spotted Wiltshire on a switch running line and the loose head prop barged through to score. Again the kick went unconverted.With only a few minutes left Dean bagged his second try after the defence was caught napping.

A quick tap penalty, a slight dummy pass and the gap opened up for the hooker to score under the posts, Terry converting.

Taunton: Wayne Wiltshire, James Dean, Vince Carrington, Ross Harrison, Paul Ford, Lee Stanley, Andy Farley, Chris Dennehy, Neil Symons, Chris Wand, Lloyd Cotton, Lee Terry, Gary Peter-Budge, Toby Holt, Alex Pride.