Sun 16 Mar 2008, 15:00
Taunton 25, Weston-super-Mare 20.
Somerset Cup semi-final (at North Petherton RFC)
Report from Somerset County Gazette
TAUNTON have reached the final of the Somerset Cup for the first time in over 20 years.
Taunton last met Weston in the County Cup 13 years ago at Priory Park and, in a one-sided match, refereed by Tony Spreadbury, lost 44-17 (for the historians among you, Taunton's first ever match in 1875 was against Weston).
The Seasiders are a level above Taunton, after spending several years in the National League, and have been in the promotion race again this season.
But Taunton were in no way overawed and on Petherton's muddy pitch, after the previous day's downpour, led 6-0 at half-time.
Both kickers missed penalties but Taunton's fly half Matt Ayres landed two - one early on and the other just before the break, when Weston had a man in the sin-bin.
Taunton's control up front was excellent and their back line, lead by Simon Martin, used the ball well as both sides tried to play expansive rugby.
Just short of the hour, winger Ben Rudkin, Taunton's leading try scorer, made it 13 for the season to put Taunton 11 points up but Weston struck back with a penalty and an unconverted try of their own.
Ayres then stretched Taunton's lead, crossing for a try and adding the extras.
With five minutes left, Taunton prop Alan Lowe was yellow carded and Weston immediately filled their boots with a couple of tries, the conversion of the second putting them two points ahead.
But Taunton were not done and their controlled firepower up front won them a penalty try and the match. Ayres finished the game with the conversion and a personal haul of fifteen points.
