Bishop's Stortford Preview

The Taunton Titans return to Veritas Park on Saturday when they host Bishop’s Stortford in National League One. The occasion doubles as the club’s annual Armed Forces Day with a Remembrance Service taking place on the pitch prior to kick-off. There is free entry to the game for Members of the Armed Services and Veterans on production of their service card.

Both Taunton and Bishop’s Stortford won their Round 8 encounters – the Titans taking a full five points from the long trip to Hull and Stortford overcoming Plymouth Albion in Hertfordshire. This leaves both teams in mid-table, though Stortford will feel much more comfortable with 29 points to Titans’ 18.

Now into their second century, having been founded in 1921, Bishop’s Stortford Rugby Club ascended to National League One for the first time in 2017. Last season they had a near identical record to the Titans and finished just one place below the Somerset side in the final table.

To underline how little there was between the teams last season, one need only think back to the thrilling 29-29 draw at Veritas Park when Stortford last visited Somerset’s county town. Jack Walsh, now running the show at fly half for the Ospreys in the United Rugby Championship, was man-of-the-match (with a try and a yellow card)whilst Isaac Dalton also found his way over the whitewash. The wheels fell off the Titans’ chariot in the final few minutes though when, against the run of play, Stortford scored twice to leave with a share of the spoils.

This weekend’s visitors have joint Head Coaches, Marcus Cattell and Tom Coleman, and is captained by inside centre James Ayrton who ran a try in from 40 metres last week against Albion. A look through their playing squad reveals some familiar rugby names; there is a prop named JP Nel and a fly half called Dan Cole.

The most celebrated player to have emerged from the ranks at Bishop’s Stortford RFC is Ben Clarke. The England and British Lions back rower spent most of his senior career at Bath, although in the early days of the game being professional, he did have a high profile move to Richmond FC as the first £1 million move in Rugby Union. By the time Richmond went into administration in 1999, Clarke was back at Bath. Rugby trivia fans will need no reminding that Clarke was also the first player to receive a yellow card when they were introduced to rugby.

As the Remembrance Service precedes kick-off, spectators are encouraged to be in place by 2.50pm this Saturday. It is likely to be a busy occasion with Titans’ title Sponsor British Gas signing the Armed Forces Covenant as part of the day’s ceremony.

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The Match sponsor: Gibbs Plumbing Supplies Limited

Match Ball Sponsor: JR Veterinary

Entrance to Veritas Park is £15 per adult. The legendary two-course pre-match carvery lunch is not to be missed and can be booked by emailing functions@tauntonrfc.co.uk or by calling 01823 336363. Parking at Veritas Park on Hyde Lane is available and costs £5 per vehicle. Kick-off is at 3pm.

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