Taunton are relentless in impressive Barnes win

AFTER five days of continuous rain, a forward battle was expected at Taunton but the hosts instead treated fans to a flowing contest of wide-open rugby as they toppled Barnes in impressive stlye.

The hosts asserted themselves early on, winning an attacking line out and rolling towards the Barnes line for Barry John Chapman to score.

Kingdom then lofted a deft kick that was gathered by wing Oscar Kolowski on the run to score a superb try which Kingdom converted.

A breathless period of play followed as from the kick off Taunton won the ball but Webb's attempt at a kick was charged down for Barnes prop George Hunter to kick on and score, before the hosts responded immediately through Jack Arnott and Kolowski soon grabbed his second score of the afternoon.

The visitors spilled a Kingdom kick for Julian Salvi to score on the stroke of half-time. Kingdom added the extras to make it 31-5 at the break.

Barnes came out in the second half on a mission and quickly scored a converted try, but Taunton replied with a stunning effort from debutant Greg Kitson.

Taking the ball under pressure in his own half, he made a dummy and break a delicate chip which he collected at pace to outstrip the Barnes defence and score, before Gosling grabbed another for Taunton.

Barnes looked to mount a comeback with a consolation try of their own, but Ben Oliphant-Thompson put the game to bed for the final score, rounding off an emphatic win.