Cinderford v Taunton Titans

On a sunny day up in the Forest of Deane, Taunton found the Cinderford’s defence in defiant form, writes Hugh Duder.

This meeting of the former division one sides again proved as close as the three previous seasons.

The home side though took an early lead after only three minutes, followed seven minutes later with some good handling to go 14-0 up.

Titans pressure and Ozzie James went over wide out with Reece Malone adding the extras. 14-7.

A football style try with the Cinderford scrum half dribbling the ball over with a lucky bounce to lead 21-7.

Charlie Wright scored from a line-out catch and maul. The conversion good 21-14 at half time.

On 53 minutes, after Cinderford were reduced to 14, Ben Oliphant-Thompson assisted by Ben Heath drew Taunton level at 21-21 only for Titans own discipline to cost them six points. Cinderford kicking two penalties to retake the lead 27-21.

A bonus point try on 69 minutes and they increased their lead to34-21.

Titans twice went close in the closing minutes including being held up over the line proving how difficult winning in Cinderford has become.

Next season they are to have a new 3G pitch which could make life interesting.

Next up, Titans, fourth in the league, face Clifton in second place. The match takes place on March 8 at Veritas Park. Kick off is 3pm.

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