Birmingham Moseley 32-31 Taunton Titans

THIS encounter brought together two teams of similar ability both needing points to avoid further relegation concerns.

Other than a few surface puddles on the pitch, conditions were ideal, writes Hugh Duder.

Early missed line outs caused problems for Taunton and sure enough they were punished after six minutes with Moseley scoring wide out.

Seven minutes later, Titans gave away a penalty leading to a lineout catch and go to give the home side a 12-0 lead.

Taunton got onto the scoreboard with their own penalty lineout and drives ending George Gosling over for a converted try 12-7 after 19 minutes.

On 21 minutes Moseley's fly half was yellow carded. And such, Titans dominated the period after that, and a catalogue of errors lead to Sam Prior receiving a yellow followed by a converted Moseley try for 19-7. Then came a penalty for the home side.

An unfortunate error by George Worboys who kicked a penalty dead inside the Moseley 22 inches past the try line post. At half time the score was 22-7.

A remarkable 12 minutes of high-octane rugby saw Taunton race into the lead with three converted tries in the early moments of the second half.

First, Manni Feyi-Waboso burst through Moseley's defence followed by back-to-back scores by Ratu Vakalutakali who ripped the ball on halfway dodged a tackle to go in under the posts.

Five minutes later he opened up gaps scoring again and securing the try bonus point. 22-28.

A shocked Moseley responded on 61 minutes when Ollie Stedman went over wide for a converted try and retaking the lead 29-28.

The excitement went on and a penalty to Taunton slotted over by the ever-reliable Worboys and took the lead back for Taunton.

On 67 minutes the lead changed hands for the fourth and final time when Lewis struck a penalty in off the post after Taunton were sent back ten metres.

The last minutes of the match as Tony Yapp said, Taunton tried to 'force the game' and Moseley's defence held out.

Titans came home with two points not the five they craved and deserved.

Next Saturday the played already relegated Leeds at home for a 3pm kick off,a game they need to win.

National One is one of the standout leagues in the country with a three-team race at the top and the bottom of the league.

A must watch game of rugby then this Saturday in Taunton, the last match of the nerve-jangling season.

‍