FOR the second consecutive week Westcombe Park were on the receiving end of a defeat, going down 45-3 at home to Taunton, writes Bruce Mackenzie.

On their first visit to Goddington Dene, league newcomers Taunton had been patient and were able to up the pace and cruise away to finish convincing winners.

Taunton opened the scoring on 15 minutes when Apolosi Satala made a run, off-loaded, collected again and with Combe missing the tackle, glided in for a try, which was not converted.

Combe fought back and forced a penalty, which was duly kicked by Luke Giles to reduce the deficit to 3-5 at half-time.

Taunton started the second half with an early score from a turnover and from then onwards, always looked threatening and dangerous.

Everyone in the Combe team contributed to the tackle count but gaps in defence began to open up, or concentration was momentarily lost. Such lapses would be ruthlessly punished by Taunton, who were running good lines and their support play was superior.

There were five more tries for the visitors, including one end-to-end effort in the final minute.