Darlington Mowden Park vs Taunton Titans

The Titans travelled North again, this time to face Darlington Mowden Park, after their success against Leeds Tykes the previous week. Two demanding journeys away from home in the first two weeks of the new rugby season is a daunting challenge for any side but once again the Taunton boys met their opposition head on to record another surprising but outstanding victory 32-38, taking the bonus point in the process to find themselves standing second in their new division, National League One.

The Darlington Mowden Park home ground is a 25,000 seater stadium, smart and modern, with a full size rugby pitch allowing their speedy backs the space to show of their talents. However, Taunton were the first on the board within minutes of the start through a try by Charlie Wright, converted by Jack Walsh, and so began a real joust with both teams banging back and forth to the point that the score at 22-24 at half time and six tries had been scored. This score line was even more remarkable in that Taunton had received two yellow cards from the referee and were reduced to thirteen men before the break.

This was heady stuff for the Titans but they have now proved beyond doubt they are capable of playing rugby at this higher level and their confidence was growing at each new phase of play. They were knocked back a little in the opening moments of the second session as DMP grabbed a converted try to take a short-lived lead but then the Titans took the game away from the home side with two converted tries to lead 29-38. DMP proved their determination with a real push for the final 10 minutes but were only able to add a penalty goal to their total, such was the nature of Taunton's resolute defence, and they had to be content with two points from the game with four tries and a losing bonus point.

This Taunton side will have sent a shock through the league and their opponents will have noted the capability of the Titan's pack of forwards, the spark that exists in their backs and the formidable halfback combination with Jack Walsh earning this week's nomination as Taunton Man of the Match. With this well earned result secured, the Taunton Titans now find themselves second in the league which sets up their first home league game of the season against the side occupying top spot, Rosslyn Park. What a mouth-watering prospect that is! Veritas Park will be buzzing in anticipation.