Bournville v Taunton Titans

Taunton Titans suffers an agonising and unexpected defeat at the hands of relegation candidates Bournville in the suburbs of Birmingham South, writes Hugh Duder.

Weakened by the absence of their captain Ratu Vakalutukali, who sustained a rib injury against Camborne the week before, and prop Will Vaughan. Titans were further depleted when second row Sam Leworthy rolled his ankle on the unfamiliar artificial surface early in the game.

Bournville opened the scoring after only two minutes showing their intent with some accurate passing to lead 7-0.

Five minutes later Charlie Wright scored for Titans with a well worked try assisted by hooker Elvis Taione. 7-5

Kicking the ball away over the dead ball line led to the home side scoring their second try after some poor defending. 12-5.

On 19 minutes, Bournville went further ahead with a well-worked move by their backs to lead 19-5.

Titans replied with Charlie Wright scoring one of his trademark tries. Sinclair adding the extras for 19-12.

A penalty for a high tackle against Titans and the hosts increased their lead to 22-12.

Titans then gained some momentum. Louie Sinclair converting his own try after a fine individual break to reduce the deficit to 22-19 at halftime.

Seven minutes into the second half and Sinclair’s penalty levelled the scores 22-22. Titans took the lead two minutes later. Oscar Kolowski scoring assisted by Nick Mason converted by Sinclair 22-29.

A knock on in front of their own posts led to Bournville drawing level 29-29.

On 64 minutes Nick Mason took a great line and sprinted through for a converted try. Titans winning a lineout against the head. 29-36.

With five minutes left the hosts levelled 36-36 and Titans were shown a yellow. From kick off, some clever play by Mason who picked a pass off his feet, sold a dummy and scored a converted try to put Titans back in the lead. 36-43.

Two minutes later the hosts were awarded a penalty try and a second yellow reduced Titans to 13 with players now out of position. 43-43.

From the re-start, Bournville threw caution to the wind a clever cross field kick found their winger who sprinted from inside his 22 to score a stunning try – the conversion was the last kick of the game. Final score 50-43.

For the second successive week, Titans have thrown away winning positions. They need to learn how to close out matches.

Despite this, there were some fine individual plays witnessed by their frustrated travelling support. The game produced 93 points with 13 tries– great entertainment.

Titans man of the match was Nick Mason.

Next up, Titans are at home against Exeter University under the lights at Veritas Park. Friday (January 24). 7.30pm kick off.

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