Somerset Two South
Tor 2nd XV 17, Morganians 76

AFTER their disappointing home defeat to North Petherton the previous week, a strong Morganians side travelled to Glastonbury in search of the solitary bonus point which would secure the league title, writes Phil Curd.

From the kick-off, it was apparent that Morgs were not only there for the point but for a big win and, from the first attack, Martyn Keep went over in the corner. 

That proved to be the flying winger’s final action as he was carried off with a knee injury.

For the first 20 minutes Morgs flew at the home side with powerful forwards breaking the gain line and when gaps emerged on the flanks, Sam Williams unleashed his pacey backs. 

Ryan Rossiter, Jordan Mein and Williams all scored as Tor were unable to match the pace of the visitors.

With the bonus point secured, Morgs appeared to take their foot of the gas and allowed Tor back in to the game for what was a scrappy 10-minute period. 

Being on the back foot didn’t suit Morgs so their forwards re-applied some of the urgency and precision that had provided the earlier platform, and again provided the space for dangerous wingers James Walpole and Matty Winter to make good ground on the wings. 

Once in the Tor 22, Morgs’ forwards went through the phases and twice sent utility forward Stef Pierce over the whitewash for a 38-0 half-time lead.

Morgs brought on a string of replacements at the break and within moments the returning Sam Bullion ghosted his way over the line with a typically elusive run from the 22. 

Soon after, more good play resulted in Stef Pierce crossing for his hat-trick and a huge score was on the cards.

That was seemingly not to be, though, as individual errors, especially when fielding loose balls on the floor, gifted Tor three tries.

With 20 minutes to go, Morgs regained their composure and added four more tries through Rossiter, James Carter, the impressive Walpole and Mein, who finished with a personal tally of 26 points as the visitors completed a comfortable victory.

The win ensured Morgs have wrapped up the Somerset Two South title having won 20 of their 21 league matches so far.

They now sit pretty at the top of the table with 100 points, 25 clear of nearest challengers North Petherton, and can look forward to the challenge of playing Somerset One rugby next season.

This weekend, the team are without a game.

Morganians: Richards, Luke, Modley, Grimstead, Weller, Pierce, Croker, Cooper; Hopkins, Williams, Keep, Stafford, Rossiter, Walpole, Mein. Replacements: Armstrong, Winter, Bullion, Carter, Mears, Vunipola.