Cinderford Vs Taunton Titans

Cinderford RFC 38-36 Taunton Titans

On a still but chilly afternoon, some 210 metres above sea level, the former mining town of Cinderford were Taunton's opponents in this re-arranged match, writes Hugh Duder.

Looking to continue their improved form, Taunton started well and on eight minutes after penalty lineout, they drove and mauled over for a try from Vakalutukali. It was converted by George Worboys and Taunton were 7-0 in front.

In the 14th minute a charged down kick let Cinderford into Titans 22, but a great interception by Worboys who ran almost the length of the pitch to go in under the posts. 

The fly half converted his own try for 14-0 and Taunton were well on top.

With the first quarter of the game over, Cinderford then had two penalties inside Titans 22 and drove for their first score to make it 14-5.

On 30 minutes Worboys kicked a penalty for Taunton to make it 17-5.

After gallant defence Cinderford broke through once again to score to make it 17-12.

Then right on halftime, Sam Leworthy scored the Titans third try and Taunton led 24-12 at the break.

The second half didn't begin well for the visitors as Cinderford went in for a converted try after a succession of missed tackles and within two minutes James Forrester, a former Titan, took Cinderford into the lead 24-26.

This put all the travelling Taunton fans into shock.

The visitors did respond with a penalty into the hosts 22 where Vakalutukali scored his second try of the afternoon and Taunton were back in front 31-26.

However, on 56 minutes, Cinderford regained the lead which read 33-31 on thescoreboard. The game was in the balance.

Any luck Titans may have had seemed to run out when Cinderford benefitted from an extremely lucky bounce and increased their lead on 67 minutes to 38-31.

Not to be undone, Titans scored wide out with a brilliant high ball take by Shai Bonnick. The conversion was missed and the final whistle sounded, Cinderford had won 38-36.

Taunton came away with two thoroughly deserved points for the league table.

This nail biter of a game was summed up by their coach Tony Yapp saying his team, especially the new boys had played well and that the game was there to be won.

The improved performance he said was promising and he hoped to have a full side for next week’s match at Chinnor.

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