Taunton defence proves difference

Bury St Ed .......... 8 Taunton .......... 22

A DEFENSIVE masterclass by Taunton proved to be the difference.

Bury will feel they had their pockets picked as Taunton scored in the sixth and 76th minute with counter-attacking tries to earn the points.

The main difference between the sides was the intensity and speed of the Taunton defence.

Bury went through nearly 20 phases early on before being penalised for sealing off and, while they challenged the decision, scrum-half Lewis Webb set his threequarters free and skipper Nick Mason touched down.

Kingdom converted and then slotted a penalty. Taunton had the bit between their teeth and added to their lead when a catch and drive from a lineout, barrelled hooker Jon Gatford over.

Bury laboured to break down a well-drilled defence, butheir patience was rewarded when Sam Sterling powered his way over after they had stolen a line out.

The second half followed in similar veint. Bury narrowed the deficit with an early Scott Lyle penalty, but Taunton stretched them on their rare ventures upfield.

Bury pressed but were once again picked off by tigerish defence. Lawdray scooped up a loose pass before recycling the ball for Tom Popham to score. Kingdom added the extras from wide out.