Cinderford Vs Taunton

Now seven weeks into the season and the Titans were required to travel away once more, making five fixtures on the road so far but at least the trip to Cinderford was short by comparison with others already endured.   Whilst the result didn't go the Titans' way. losing 26-21 to the run away league leaders, there were many positives to be drawn from Saturday's encounter. Not least the fact that the Taunton boys came away with another cherished bonus point and who knows how precious they might prove to be at the other end of the season? (writes Dick Macey).

There was no doubting Cinderford's capability or intent showing a solid proficiency in the line-out and an always threatening rolling maul which in truth was the one factor that the Titans couldn't handle so well. That said, in all other departments the Taunton lads matched the home side stride for stride and Coach Tony Yapp will have been heartened by his side's efforts and their determination.   The Taunton faithful suffered palpitations at the death when a comparatively simple penalty goal for Cinderford slid past the posts thus ensuring that the hard-earned bonus point remained in the bag and it was nothing less than the Titans deserved.

Charlie Wright, Taunton's poster boy at flanker. secured two touchdowns and with Jack Walsh looking steady at outside half and grabbing a try for himself as well as kicking all three conversions, there looked as if the possibility of an upset was always on the cards, such was the tenacity of the Taunton side.  It really was just the difference in that rolling maul that twice took Cinderford over the line that tipped the score line their way.   The return of some Taunton heroes seemed to strengthen the Titans with Lewis Webb playing at scrum half and delivering an excellent error-free game, Toby East came off the bench to show one or two real squirts of pace that threatened the home defence and Charlie Williams made a welcome return as a sub to the scrummage so I suspect Tony Yapp's selection conundrums will have multiplied. 

This coming Saturday some semblance of normality returns to the fixtures with the Titans playing on home turf and welcoming Birmingham Moseley to Veritas Park, kick off at 3,00pm, and at 2.45 pm Taunton RFC acknowledge their commitment to the Armed Services with a short service of remembrance and wreath laying to honour our fallen heroes.  Our much-admired pre-match lunch will be available in the Priory Suite and space is running out fast so if you wish to join in, please call the Club Office (01823 336363) as early as possible.

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