Taunton Titans v Exeter University

Exeter University 21-42 Taunton Titans

On a warm windy afternoon, Taunton won away for the first time this season, convincingly overcoming the students, writes Hugh Duder.

The first 15 minutes was played out between the 22s and Titans broke the deadlock after a penalty into the corner, followed by a lineout catch and maul. Hooker Elvis Taione scoring with a fine conversion by Louie Sinclair.7-0.

On 23 minutes, Taunton lost the ball from their own scrum and the students sent the ball out wide for their former player Noah Fenton to go in under the posts. 7-7.

On 35 minutes, a dropped pass five metres out denied Titans a certain try. But they continued to press, and Ben Oliphant-Thompson went over for a deserved converted try after good possession. Half time 14-7.

Five minutes into the second half, Charlie Wright scored with a pick and go ten metres out, converted beautifully by Sinclair. 21-7.

On 58 minutes, Exeter took advantage of a misjudged kick into the wind and scored a converted try. 21-14.

In the 63rd minute, great possession and the reliable Sam Leworthy dived over. 28-14

Two minutes later, Louie Sinclair anticipated an interception on his own 10-metre line and had a clear run to go in under the posts and convert his own try. 35-14

Ruthless efficient forward play led by Oli Schuster-Wood and Titans ever-dependable Charlie Wright scored his second try, Sinclair converting. Six out of six for the match. 42-14 to the visitors.

Final score 42-21, the students getting an 80th minute try.

Captain Ratu Vakalutukali led his team from the front which was a huge improvement in Titans discipline and their defence. Next up this Saturday a double-header with both Titans and Warriors at home to Bristol side Old Redcliffians.

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