Preview Titans away at Bishop’s Stortford

What a win it was on Saturday for Titans! The bumper home crowd at Veritas Park was rewarded for its patience as Taunton recorded only their second home victory of the season – and by the massive margin of 73-18. The forwards put in another mighty shift, Will Vaughan and George Gosling superb in the front row and Charlie Wright rampant in the back row, enabling Jordan Petherbridge to set the backs free. And how sweet that freedom was with Mani Feyi-Waboso and Shai Bonnick both scoring tries for the ages and George Worboys and Jordan Venter dancing through the Hull midfield as though handling a glitter rather than a rugby ball.

Five precious points gained in the battle against relegation. That war wages on, however, as nearest rivals Esher picked up a stunning win at Cinderford where Taunton let slip a lead recently. Tony Yapp’s players have now lifted themselves level on points with Chinnor, though the Oxfordshire side has a better points difference. The Titans’ opponents this coming Saturday pulled off a raid on Plymouth Albion at Brickfields. In one of the most eye-catching results from National League One they triumphed over the Devonians by 12-24.

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. This term though they are flying much higher, currently lying fifth on the table.

This weekend’s opponents have joint Head Coaches, Marcus Cattell and Tom Coleman, and are captained by inside centre James Ayrton. On-loan Saracens Academy winger Francis Moore scored a brace against Albion with the other tries coming from prop Will Roberts and scrum half Chris Bolton.

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.

When Bishop’s Stortford visited Veritas Park on Bonfire Night, they pinched a surprise 24-31win courtesy of both some sterling defence on their part and some wastefulness in attack by over-eager Titans. But that’s a long time ago now and free-scoring Taunton registering 123 points on the scoreboard over the last fortnight have every reason to believe that they can take four or even five points from the encounter.

Entrance to Bishop’s Stortford RFC at Silver Leys on Hadham Road in the Hertfordshire town is £15.00per adult for ground entry whilst Under 18s enjoy free entry. A three-course meal is available before the game in the Members’ Bar for £30.00 which includes the match ticket and programme. Email bsrfclunches@gmail.com to book the pre-match lunch by the end of Monday. Kick-off is at 3.00pm.

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