Richard Kitzinger runs the rule over Cambridge RUFC who have made a flying start to the season ahead of this Saturday's Round 3 fixture

Home of the Blood and Sand sounds as if it could be an instalment of the Game of Thrones franchise. In fact it’s the destination for Taunton Titans on the third Saturday of this new league season. The ‘blood and sand’ references the red and yellow of the Cambridge RFC shirts (not to be confused with the famous blue and white hoops of Cambridge University RFC) and their home is Grantchester Road, just over a mile to the south-west of the city centre.

In the corresponding fixture in April, a lethargic start from the Titans allowed the home side to run up a big first-half lead, 31-12. With the change of ends there was a change in momentum as Somerset’s finest secured a bonus point for scoring four tries whilst denying Cambridge anything more than a solitary penalty goal. Cambridge therefore took the victory and the full five points en route to a fourth-place finish.  

Formed in 1923, Cambridge has played at National One levelsince gaining promotion in 2016. Though a relatively young senior club as it approaches its centenary, Cambridge boasts one of the country’s oldest youth rugby sections. Amongst its 21st century products are Alex Goode, Ben Spencer (both England) and Will Hooley (USA) whilst fly-half Simon Culhane appeared for the club en route to scoring a record 45 points (1 try, 20 conversions from 21 attempts) on debut for the All Blacks in a World Cup game against Japan.

Coach Richie Williams saw his charges begin this campaign with a home win against Plymouth Albion and whilst Titans went down by one score against Albion on Saturday, Cambridge had a tight derby of their own with a short trip to Bishops Stortford from which they took the full five points. Williams’ squad strengthening during the summer includes Tom Hoppe, a centre who joined from Dragons, and scrum-half Toby Dabell from Richmond. Lock George Bretag-Norris leads a side with extra front row oomph courtesy of newly signed props Seb Brownhill and Matt Collins whilst fly-half Steff James joined from National One rivals Rams.

Those perusing the team sheet will be startled to see Matt Dawson lining up at flanker for the Blood and Sand. No, this is not the post-Question of Sport pursuit for the 2003 World Cup Winner, but a different Matt Dawson who has faced up to Titans’ own Toots in the scrums during the annual Army vs Navy fixture at Twickenham.

Entrance to Volac Park is £15 per adult, though if entering more than an hour before kick-off it’s just £10. Three-course pre-match lunches can be booked, email lunch@crufc.co.uk for details and booking. Car parking is free at Volac Park which is not far from the M11 off the Grantchester Road. Kick-off is at 3pm.