West Country Wills Match Preview Round 22 Devonport Services vs Taunton Titans

This Saturday Titans travel to the farthest reaches of Devon to face Devonport Services. Services are adrift at the bottom of the table and have won only Four games. They are coached by Rikki Bentham and Ben Russell and are captained from Number 8 by Matt Gregory. No team reaches this level though without having some degree of ability so it will be up to Titans to ensure that they maintain their focus if they are to maintain their bid for a top three finish.

Originally a forces club, Devonport Services was formed in 1904 and were promoted as champions from Regional 1 South West last season. They play in dark blue and red and are known as the Sporting Blues. The club rules still stipulate that at least half of the senior squad must be members of the Armed Forces – and, being Plymouth based, that means they are mainly from the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines. This is the club’s first season in the National Leagues and is thus the highest level that they have played in their history although they can boast that their home ground, Rectory Field, once played host to a game between the Combined Services and the touring All Blacks.

When the Devon side visited Somerset in mid-November, Titans claimed all five points in an impressive display, triumphing 57-20.Tries on that occasion were scored by Rocky Prowse, Oscar Kolowski and Archie Spokes whilst three players – Toots, Elvis Taione and Connor Banks – each scored a pair of tries. Louie Sinclair and Reece Malone combined to slot six conversions on a blustery day.

Taunton Warriors enjoy a day off, having a difficult game under lights at Veritas Park against Chard last Friday.

Entrance at Devonport Services to The Rectory on 2^ndAvenue in Plymouth (PL1 5QE) Contact Devonport Services on 01752 562948 for information about pre-match lunch options. Kick-off is at 2.30pm.  

Taunton resident and rugby lover, Richard Kitzinger writes content for Taunton RFC’s club website and match-day programmes. His day job is writing Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney - he can be found at www.westcountrywills.co.uk or reached on 07504 991893.

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