Taunton Titans Vs Cambridge

TAUNTON Titans had to fight late into the match to get a 26-26 draw against Cambridge on Saturday in the National League Rugby.

The home match at Veritas Park looked as though it would finish as a Cambridge win but two tries in the final five minutes forsaw them earn a draw.

Credit has to go to man of the match Jack Walsh who scored the last try with the final play of the game and then kept his cool to convert the all important conversion to level the scores.

Credit must also go to a home crowd that was very loud and very proud when the game was finished; they played a role in the Titans in-game revival.

Head coach Tony Yapp said after the match he was happy with the result.

"The character the boys showed to get back in the game and earn a draw was incredible, I am proud of that effort.

"Where we were with 10 minutes to go and then to finish level shows this team just will not give up and credit to them," Yapp said.

Early momentum in the match was hard to come by for either side, Taunton were awarded three penalties early on and opted to not take the three points, something that perhaps could have won them the game.

In the 20th minute Titans forwards were rucking the ball up close to the line and in a big push forward they had scored a try, Jack Walsh converted and the score was 7-0.

The lead was shortlived though and in the 24th minute Ben Brownlie from Cambridge crossed rather easily for a converted try and the score was level.

From there, Cambridge had control of the game and just before half time they scored once again when Jake Garside broke the line for a converted try.

At the break the score was 7-14 in the away teams favour.

Into the second period and Taunton were on the attack, they scored an unconverted try in the 53rd minute through Frankie Dart and the score was 12-14.

But then the experience and match awareness came through from Cambridge; they ran in two back to back tries to really give themselves a stronghold on proceedings.

With just five minutes to go Taunton were losing 12-26 and were on their way to a loss.

In true Titans fashion, the players showed a never say die attitude and after some expansive rugby scored a try in the 77th minute, through Harry Tarling and Jack Walsh converted.

Then in the 83rd minute, well into borrowed time, Jack Walsh darted through the line to score a great solo try and with the pressure on him he stepped up to convert and levelled the scores.

It was a dramatic comeback for Taunton and it was celebrated as a win from the fans and players alike but it has to be said it was a game in which the Titans could have won.

For large parts they were the better side and showed they can score points; one positive to take forward for the players is the confidence in their own ability in that they can compete with anyone in this league.