Rams 59-21 Taunton Titans
Rams 59-21 Taunton Titans
Rams 59-21 Taunton Titans
A DRY windy afternoon greeted Taunton’s visit to Reading for the clash against league leaders Rams at the weekend, writes Hugh Duder.
After an even opening 15 minutes, Rams went ahead out wide after Titans knocked on in site of the home side’s line.
Five minutes later, a series of missed tackles which man of the match Axel Kalling-Smith avoided gave the hosts a 12-0 lead.
Fly half Alec Seers broke through from ten metres to score under the posts soon after and it was 19-0.
Taunton needed to respond but despite a concerted effort on the Rams line, a score did not materialise.
Instead, right-on half-time Rams broke from inside their own22 and went the length of the pitch inter passing and scored under the posts.
What could have been 19-7 became 26-0 the half time score.
This was a high octane try and will surely be the divisions try of the week.
From the restart, Rams claimed the ball and set about attacking the Titans line.
Titans gritting defence held out and on 51 minutes, Titans were rewarded with a converted try for Alex Rudd.
Rams with their scrum half yellow carded responded almost immediately and led 31-7.
Titans came back with a good break by Nick Mason but lost Petherbridge with a shoulder knock.
Rams then ran in their seventh try followed by a brilliant break by Mason again to score a converted try under the posts.
And on 69 minutes, Charlie Wright went over, and his converted try gave Taunton hope of a bonus point.
Rams led 38-21 but the hosts sensing the Titans renewed efforts broke loose scoring three more converted tries.
These came as Taunton created gaps in their quest for that illusive bonus point.
And for all their effort in the second half, Titans had to accept they were soundly beaten, and Rams retained their position on the top of the table.
Next Saturday, April 1, home advantage could be crucial when Taunton entertain Rosslyn Park who sit a distant 4th in the table.
This vital match for Taunton kicks off at 3pm at Veritas Park and a large crowd is anticipated.
