Devonport Services V Taunton Titans

Taunton Titans encountered a spirited Devonport Services side looking to improve on their basement position in the league, writes Hugh Duder.

On a sunny afternoon with a chill in the air, Services held early possession however it was Taunton who scored first with winter Massy-Birch securing the opening try converted by Louie Sinclair.

A penalty and a second try, this time by Oliver Schuster-Wood who broke free from half way again converted and Taunton led 0-17 with 25 minutes gone.

Services opened their account five minutes later. 7-17.

Two minutes before half time a beautifully taken ball by Charlie Wright who then jinked his way over under the posts converted by Sinclair. Titans leading 7-24 at half time.

Services opened the scoring three minutes into the second half. A clever run into services 22 by Massy-Birch was backed up with Isaac Dalton scoring Titans’ bonus point try converted by Sinclair to lead 12-29.

Reece Malone then kicked the ball from inside Titans’ 22 deep into Services’ half which formed the base of a second try for Charlie Wright converted by Sinclair on 60 minutes. 12-36.

Two minutes later, Services scored with a well-worked move. 17-36.

On 70 minutes, Titans centre Drew Humberstone with a neat side step scored a converted try. 17-43.

Services then got their well-deserved bonus point with six minutes left.

Titans tried their hardest to complete the half-century and were denied on the line by good defence and Titans went third in the league.

Next up at home at Veritas Park for ladies day against Macclesfield. Saturday, March 22.

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