Mowden fell to an agonising last minute defeat on Saturday as Taunton kept their National One survival hopes alive in Round 23. DMP had led 12-20 heading into the final stages, but two late tries for the hosts saw them take maximum points at Veritas Park.

Playing into a strong wind in the first half, Mowden started the game brightly and adapted well to the testing conditions. In fact it was DMP who took the lead, with Liam Checksfield dotting down after a miss pass from Garry Law. Mowden were reduced to 14 when Max Fraine was shown yellow for obstructing Deago Bailey from a chip ahead, and Taunton levelled the scores minutes later when Oliver Massey-Birch crossed out wide. Once again Mowden hit back though, as they continued to keep the ball in hand and run it from deep. It was Oscar Usher who finished the move, with Callum Pascoe’s conversion drifting narrowly wide. Taunton took the lead on the eve of half time with a converted try from Joe Elsworthy, going in 12-10 ahead at the break.

With the winds at their backs Mowden quickly re-took the lead through a Callum Pascoe penalty, before Liam Checksfield dived over on the right to give Mowden their third try of the afternoon. Pascoe converted brilliantly from the touchline, giving DMP an 8 point lead heading into the final quarter. Injuries began to stack up for the Mowden pack though, with Max Fraine, Adam Scott and Carl Guest all forced off in the second half. Taunton got themselves back into the game when Oscar Stewart scored out wide with 2 minutes left, before a dramatic finale saw Elvis Taione force his way over with the clock in the red for the hosts’ decisive fourth try.

Mowden will be frustrated that they were unable to see the game out, but will take great heart from a committed performance from a young squad. Eoin Harrison was awarded DMP’s Man of the Match honours for a tireless performance, with many others putting up impressive numbers in both attack and defence.

National One now heads into the Easter break, before both sides return to action on Saturday 6th April. Taunton face a key trip to Sale FC, while Mowden return to the Arena to take on Bishop’s Stortford in their penultimate home game of the season. Tickets are available to buy online by clicking here.