Titans Vs Cambridge

There are no easy games in League Division 1 and so it proved on this wet and windy afternoon.  In a game where Taunton had most of the possession and territory it was Cambridge by guile who came away with the spoils.  Guile as within the first three minutes they had given away 3penalties the first after only 30 seconds on “Man of Match” and exciting new prospect, Immanuel Feyi-Warbosa was taken with a high tackle whilst bursting through the Cambridge defence.  The penalty was kicked to touch close to the corner Cambridge line and expectations grew for a lineout win and a drive to the line.  Cambridge won the lineout as they did from the next two penalties in a similar position.  Guile again as they were fielding 3specialist second rows especially for this purpose.  So, after expecting rewards from the Cambridge penalties, it was Cambridge who opened the score with a kick a goal from one of the rare penalties given away by Taunton. Whilst it was rare for Taunton to give away a penalty they were punished when they did as it either allowed Cambridge to clear their line or to put them in a position to create a lineout and a rolling maul.  This resulted in their first try after 18 minutes and completely against the run of play.  With only a ten-point deficit Taunton were still in touch and so it seemed sense for Jenkins to put Taunton on the board with a penalty on 27 minutes.  With two minutes of the first half left Taunton were doing well and pressing Cambridge who were still giving away penalties to help their defence. Taunton were unable to capitalise on these infringements and against the run of play Cambridge scored the only try of the afternoon through open play to leave the half time score Taunton 3 Cambridge 15.

Taunton started the second half on the attack, and it was felt Cambridge must capitalise.  Will Vaughan at prop against a former Premier league prop from Saracens was outstanding as was the whole of the front three.  The base of the scrum was closed down by some outstanding defence by “Toots” and Charlie Wright.  Nick Mason and Harry Strong were immense in the centre preventing Cambridge when they did attack from gaining any momentum but with all of this effort and attack Cambridge held out. Cambridge also took their limited opportunities and from kicks to touch from the odd penalty which Taunton gave away they were able to win the lineout, setup the rolling maul and score three more tries.  Taunton did get one back and were close to another when the Assistant Referee came on to the pitch to support a Cambridge player who seemed to be in some distress and the referee stopped the game.  We do support players health and welfare coming first.  From the resultant scrum where Taunton won the ball and were nudging Cambridge back the front rows went up and the referee adjudged that Taunton were responsible.  This gave Cambridge the opportunity to clear their line.

If possession, enthusiasm, and commitment won games then Taunton would have taken the points and whilst the score looks as though Taunton were well beaten, anyone at the game would realise just how close Taunton are in turning the tables on these teams.  In a different game we call it “the rub of the green” and at the moment that is not quite coming Taunton’s way.  Top of the table Sale next week at Veritas Park and up at Sale Taunton gave an outstanding performance.  They have the ability they now need the Town to get to the match and cheer them home.

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