Taunton Titans hit the road for their first league fixture of the season and Richard Kitzinger runs the rule over opponents Leeds Tykes.

When the fixtures for this season’s National League One were announced, Tony Yapp and his Titans squad could have been forgiven for a moment of déjà vu for the opening round once again sees them make the long trip from Somerset to Yorkshire to face Leeds Tykes. They’ll be hoping that the déjà vu –French for already seen – applies to the result as well for the debut game at this level of league rugby was a famous 29-41 victory for the men from Taunton.

They will be under no illusion, however, that things might be more difficult the second time around. No longer the division’s new boys, no longer able to hide behind the surprise element of there being little opportunity for teams to have done their research on their playing style, no longer emerging from the Covid shutdown, the talk around Veritas Park is of the need to improve upon last season’s admirable showing.

After a couple of commendable performances in pre-season games against Championship opponents – Cornish Pirates and Cardiff Met University – there is excitement about the start of the National League One campaign. But what about the Leeds Tykes? No doubt the former Premiership side will have felt mugged in their first encounter with Taunton at The Sycamores, not least because they looked nailed on certainties to win when their winger was running in a try only for Toots to chase back the length of the pitch to deny him. The momentum shifted in that moment, enabling Titans to secure a win. This time, having exacted revenge late in the season at Veritas Park, the Yorkshire men are unlikely to be so forgiving.

With former England full back, Jon Callard, as Director of Rugby despite spending a couple of days each week working as a kicking coach with his former club Bath and alongside him is experienced former Welsh lock, Phil Davies, who played for the Yorkshire side in the top tier. They have been busy over the close season re-signing the players who averted the disaster of a double relegation last term and recruiting new faces from far and wide, ranging from the university system to clubs in Canada and France.

For those planning to make the journey to The Sycamores in the Bramhope area of Leeds (LS16 9JR), there is a two-course lunch available for booking which begins at 1pm and costs £35 including match admission. There is plenty of free on-site parking.

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A reminder that the Taunton Warriors will start their League Campaign against Minehead Barbarians at Veritas Park on Saturday 3rd September. This is free entry for all to come and watch and there will be a £10 hot buffet available prior to the game.

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