Taunton Titans v Hornets

The Titans secured a bonus point against a very determined Hornets side who challenged the Titans throughout the game and scored three tries of their own.  The game seemed to hinge around three factors, a solid and determined defence by the Titans, a speed to the breakdown and strict discipline.  They only gave away two penalties in the first half toHornets 7 and a further two in the second half to Hornets eight.  Some ofthe tackling from the Titans was outstanding especially from the wings andfullback when Hornets created overlaps.

The first four minutes of the game the Titans were under the “cosh” with Hornets having nearly all of the possession and also winning the Taunton lineouts.  The Titans defence was solid and Hornets were being penalised because of the speed of the Titans to the breakdown and so it was nota surprise when on the 10-minute mark the Titans kicked one of the penalties to the corner, won the lineout drove for the line and with Alex Spurdle controlling the maul so he went in for the try which Louis Sinclair converted. The Titans started to gain more possession and only some stout defence from Hornets prevented the Titans adding to that opening score.  Jay Toogoodwas providing quality ball from the breakdowns and Louis Sinclair was varying the game with him taking deep ball and setting the backs going however Jaywould also miss Louis and provide flatter ball straight to inside centre Jermaine Jones who would drive straight at the Hornets defence at pace. So often he broke the gain line and good support carried the move on. Eventually Jemaine was rewarded on 22-minutes with the try which Louis added the conversion and giving the Titans a fourteen-point lead.  From the kick off the Titans again attacked but gave away one of their two penalties of the half allowing Hornets to clear with a kick to the corner.  Hornets won the lineout and mauled towards the Titans line, former Taunton player, Chris Francis, scored the try for Hornets which was converted.  The game ebbed and flowed with Hornets making some good breaks but credit must go to the back three and especially Lucas Yapp who nailed their man.  The Hornets penalty count was increasing and on 37-minutes the Titans converted one of the penalties to increase their lead.  So, the half ended with the Titans leading 17-points to 7.

The second half started at a real pace with Hornets determination being rewarded with a try after only two-minutes of the re-start, the conversion was missed and the Titans lead was reduced to just five-points.  This seemed to inspire Hornets but the Titans defence was resolute and with some well managed changes to the team, the Titans started to dominate play.  On 62-minutes debutant Ben Heath took a superb ball from Jermaine on one of his bursts at the defence and showed his sidestepping and acceleration for the break to feed the ever dependant Charlie Wright to score the try which Louis converted.  Still Hornets came back and started a “purple patch” of possession and domination eventually breaking the Titans defence, from a maul they scored a converted try and reduced the deficit to just five-points and nine-minutes remaining.  From the re-start the Titans harried the catcher and won the penalty.  This time a tap and go and several phases and mauls the ball came back and with a long pass to Charlie Spurr on the wing he went over for the fourth and bonus point try which Louis again converted.  Just two minutes of the game left on the clock but the referee indicated four.  The Titans again attacked and with just one minute of the game left were awarded a penalty which Louis converted to give the Titans a winning margin of fifteen-points.

Jermaine Jones deservedly won the “Man of the Match” award not only for his attacking prowess but his defence and guidance and talking to the young lads around him helping them to keep their shape in defence and attack.  The versatility of the pack must be applauded with Jo Atkins playing at both loose head and tight head prop, Elvis playing tight head and hooker, Ben Oliphant-Thompson playing second row and number 8 this gives a real statement from the players as to their commitment for the team.  Credit must go to the whole team for their determination and ability and none more than to Sam Prior who turned out for the 201^st time and was rewarded with a wonderful cap and framed picture of the “Turbo” Sam Prior,  Credit must also go to him as he has taken on the role of Players Rep on the Committee endorsing his commitment not only to the club but also his fellow players.

‍