Hinckley v Taunton Titans

After the storm from last week which battered the south west the Titans were on the bus for a long away trip to Hinckley,  the midlands club was full to the rafters for a big Christmas lunch and they were wonderful hosts to the travelling Taunton committee. 

In sunny conditions for mid December both sides were keen to move the ball all over the pitch to try to find space to attack but today was a day for defences and both sides were resolute and shut down promising moves with some great cover tackles. It took a turn over in a ruck from Joe Atkins to release fast ball to the backs, a couple of phases later the speedy winger Oscar Kolowski sprinted into the corner untouched to get the Titans first score, Sinclair slotting the conversion from out wide. 

From the kick off Hinckley enjoyed a spell of possession and deserved two quick tries after some clever kicks through just stayed in touch long enough for the chasing winger to score, the game flowed end to end but penalties and mistakes cost both sides dearly trying to get over the whitewash. 

It looked like the Titans were heading into the half time with a deficit but an inside break from Charlie Wright opened up a huge gap, quick ball from the back line saw the ever impressive Rocky Prowse squeeze into the corner for a late try. 

12-12 half time

As the sun was setting the temperature dropped and the game needed to be simplified, from the kick off a penalty was won and a quick attack saw captain Ratu ‘toots’ Vakalutukali touchdown after another barnstorming run saw the big man crash over. 

As much as the Titans saw an opportunity to get a hold on the match it was Hinckley who mustered the forward pack, a drive into the corner saw a classic rolling maul which meandered its way to the try line. 17–17. 

For a major period of the second half the Taunton Titans carried out attack after attack but the steadfast defence just would not give, a coupe of excellent tackles out wide thwarted some promising moves, but with a cool-head at fly half Sinclair steered the ship into the right areas and when a gap opened up the youngster pounced and made huge break through the midfield, a few phases later Jermaine Jones burst through a gap and dotted down, converted by Sinclair. 

Jones then backed up his attacking prowess with a superb turn over after Hinckley tried to run the ball from deep, Sinclair opted for posts and cleanly slotted it through to take the Titans to a 27-17 lead. 

The game continued to be a bruising encounter until the final whistle, a well deserved win for the Titans away from home picking up the full five points. 

After the match Captain ‘Toots said - 

that's the ones we want to win, the hard graft matches that really test the lads. 

Next week the Titans are on the road again but only up the M5 to Weston Hornets who will prove to be a tough challenge after some fine form

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