Taunton Titans v Luctonians

With the Titans kicking off on a damp cloudy afternoon they soon started to put themselves under pressure by first giving away a free kick and then a penalty.  Luctonians opted to kick at goal and fortunately for the Titans the ball drifted wide.  It was not long after however that Luctonians opened the scoring with a well worked try by their centre Bryn Goodhall.  Gradually the Titans worked their way back into the game and one of their engine room, Sam Leworthy was able to use his agricultural power and strength to go in for the try.  “man of the match” Reece Malone added the extras  and the Titans had a lead which they did not relinquish for the rest of the game.  That score was added too by Dan Martin playing at outside half, on 26-minutes. This came from another good build up from the forwards who kept picking and driving at the Luctonians line, but having worn down the defence the ball was moved away from the drive to Dan who went in for the try.  Reece again converted.  The Titans then put themselves under pressure when trying to clear their line. An attempted clearance kick was charged down by Luctonians backrow James Mear who gathered the ball and scored the try.  Again, the conversion was missed which although both teams had scored two tries , left the Titans with a four-point lead.  On the stroke of half time Luctonians gave away the penalty and the Titans kicked to touch.  Sam Leworthy, who was dominant in the lineout throughout the match won the ball and the maul was on towards the line.  Vaea Taione, as he has done so many times this season had possession and the try followed.  Reece kicked the conversion and the Titans went in for the break with a 21-points to 10 lead.

The Titans started the second half in manner somewhat similar to the former putting together the phases and controlling possession.  On 45-minutesLuctonians conceded the penalty and Reece added the points.  The next score came from Luctonians after the Titans had conceded a series of penalties. Luctonians added the three points. 59-minutes and Ben Heath went in for the try, but it was the build up to the score which was impressive.  From a maul on the halfway line prop Ollie Schuster-Wood exploded away and showed his strength and pace before Luctonians managed to get a hand to his ankle for a tap.  He rolled forwards laid back quick ball which was fed to Andrew Humberstone who gave a well-timed pass to Ben who had to use all of his pace and strength to go in at the corner.  It was then that Luctonians produced a bit of shear magic.  The Titans defence had been drawn in narrow and the Luctonians outside half saw the opportunity and with an accurate well-balanced kick over the top his right wing gathered the ball, Reece was able to track across and tackle him but he was able to hand on to their number eight Jack Goodwin to score the try which was converted.  From the re-start the Titans attacked and the ball came to Andrew Humberstone to score for him what was a well-deserved try.  He had been tireless in his attacking and defensive play all afternoon and this was just reward.  Reece added the extras.  The Titans were giving away penalties in the last few minutes of the half and with the yellow card they received and injuries in the pack this allowed Luctonians to win a lineout close to the Titans line and to score their fourth try of the afternoon.

This was a well-earned victory by the Team with some outstanding performances by many on an individual basis.  This was also a great victory for the club in showing all players from the Rascals upwards that there is a pathway for you at Taunton Rugby Club. Oliver Wrelton started at 5 years of age in the Rascals and at the age of 20 years has made the Titans.  Eight of the players in the Titans have been regulars for the Warriors this year and because of the coaching system they all knew the moves and structure.  The message for all player now is that there is a pathway to the top in the club and patience and perseverance provide opportunity.

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