THE Reds’ excellent form came to an end in Somerset as the hosts eased to a comfortable victory.

Redruth made three changes to the starting XV from their win over Hornets as Dan Goldsmith, Barnaby Elderkin and Jake Bond all dropped out of the pack for various reasons with Mawgan Osborne, Gabe Mead and Sam Stevens coming in. Nat Dart was called up to an experienced bench.

Taunton haven’t had the best of starts to the season but took advantage of Redruth’s delayed arrival due to a tyre blowout on the team coach which meant a 30-minute delay to kick-off.

The Titans dominated from the start and scored within seven minutes through full-back Reece Malone which fly-half Tom Putt converted (7-0).

With the wind against them, the Reds failed to make much ground and after conceding a penalty which Putt slotted over from 30 metres, they conceded before the break when a driving maul from close-range was finished off by flanker Alex O’Brian.

Within 10 minutes of the restart it was all but game over as after hooker Alex Spurdle crossed, centre Dan Martin ran nearly the length of the field (27-0).

On 52 minutes, winger Oscar Kowolski added a fifth try which Putt converted (34-0), and although the Reds finally got going via tries from winger Jack Counter and centre Noah Clifford, a Putt penalty made it 37-10.

With 10 minutes remaining Redruth’s large band of supporters had hopes of a bonus point when Clifford crossed for his second, however Taunton had the last laugh as back-rower Joe Elsworth dotted down with two minutes to play.

REDRUTH: Wills, Statton, Simmons, Clifford, Counter, Morgan, Rutter; Gendall, Hambly, Williams; Prisk, Osborne; Pascoe (capt), Mead, Stevens. Replacements (all used): Barnes, Tompsett, Triggs, Dart, James.

Tries: Counter, Clifford (2); Convs: N/A; Pens: N/A.