R14 Preview Titans away at Plymouth Albion

Titan’s final match of 2022 also marks the start of the second half of the National League One season. For supporters of Somerset’s leading rugby club, they don’t come much bigger than a derby with Devonian neighbours, Plymouth Albion. The former Championship side lies two places above Taunton Titans at the halfway stage of the season, though with twice as many victories and from one game fewer after their match with Leeds was postponed at the last minute due to a frozen area of pitch at The Brickfields. Titans, meanwhile, played some terrific rugby at times against Birmingham Molesey but couldn’t find the crucial fourth try to seal victory, going down 21-26 at Veritas Park.

Both Plymouth RFC and Devonport Albion RFC were formed in 1876, the year following Taunton RFC. Plymouth Albion came about when the Ocean City’s two sides merged in 1920.Legendary Fijian full-back Nat Saumi is a member of Albion’s 100 cap club whilst former England hooker Graham Dawe, though more famously associated with Bath, both played for and coached the team.

Though familiar with one another over the years from friendly matches, league encounters between Plymouth and Taunton are thin on the ground. On Titans’ previous visit to The Brickfields at the end of last season they put up little fight, having already assured themselves of their league status against an Albion side desperate to preserve theirs. Plymouth racked up a half century of points, prevailing in front of a large and vocal crowd by 54-17. In week 2 of this campaign, Plymouth visited Veritas Park and secured victory by 26-33 with their winger Alex Ducker bagging a brace of tries.

Coached by former Cardiff and Exeter lock, Damian Welch, Albion haven’t yet produced the form needed to fulfil their promotion ambitions. They are well led by number 8, Herbie Stupple, and boast a rapid back line including Frankie Nowell, younger brother of British Lion Jack. Dan Lewis has been in fine form with the boot and both Ducker and Jeremy To’a are well known to Taunton for their try scoring feats for the men from the Ocean City.

There is a supporters Bus leavingTRFC AT 12:00 with a cost of £20 per person. To book a seat please contactTaunton RFC on 01823 336363 or email functions@tauntonrfc.co.uk

Entrance to The Brickfields from 12.00 noon starts from £15.00 per adult for ground entry whilst there is an extra charge for seats in a stand. Under 16s enjoy free entry. Plymouth Albion’s ground is cashless. There is plenty of parking at Brickfields at £3per car. Kick-off is at 3.00pm.

‍