Disappointing Southend Rugby Club beaten by Taunton (From Echo)

Disappointing Southend Rugby Club beaten by Taunton

9:00am Tuesday 9th October 2012 in Sport By Chris Phillips

SOUTHEND’S director of rugby Chris Green was left disappointed after seeing his side lose 33-22 at home to Taunton on Saturday.

The visitors had not won all term before coming to Warners Bridge.

But they were able to come out on top against the Seasiders after dominating the first half. And that infuriated Green.

“The first half for us was just a complete non entity,” said Green.

“We didn’t keep the ball and didn’t do anything at all well to be honest. They got on top and, even though we showed good character at the start of the second half, you can’t afford to play like that for 40 minutes at this level and expect to win it.”

Taunton went in front with tries from flanker Dean Taylor Menzies and winger Jemba Bull before BrettTurner added a penalty.

Southend hit back with a penalty of their own from Jack Jones to cut Taunton’s half-time lead to 15-3.

At the start of the second half, the Seasiders hit back with a try from Jones which he also converted to make it 15-10.

The home-side stayed on top and went in front for the first time when Liam MacGeachy touched down. Jones converted before Lee Guess also broke through to extend Southend’s lead to 22-15.

However, the joy was short-lived as Taunton began to get back on top.

As a result, Turner added a penalty before Taylor-Menzies scored his second try to put the visitors back in the lead at 23-22.

Another Turner penalty put Taunton further ahead before the Seasiders were reduced to 14 men when replacement Sam Fombo was yellow carded.

With a man short and confidence dented even further Southend never threatened again and Taunton moved on with little opposition with Will Carrick-Smith sealing the win with a late try.

The defeat pushed Southend down to fourth from bottom in the National Two South table and they will be looking for a big response at Launceston, the team just above them in the standings, this weekend.