West Country Wills Match Preview Round 23 Taunton Titans vs Macclesfield

The final game of this block of March fixtures sees Taunton Titans playing host at Veritas Park to first-time visitors, Macclesfield. Titans head into their last game before the mini-break in 3^rd position following a convincing win away to Devonport Services last time out. Titans ran in 6 tries during that encounter, from Ollie Massy-Birch, Charlie Wright (2), Ollie Schuster-Wood, Isaac Dalton and Andrew Humberstone.

This Saturday’s visitors, Macclesfield, have endured a tough season on their return to the National Leagues. After playing host to Redruth last weekend – a game won 31 - 14 – they sit in 12th position and their fight is certainly on, to remain in the National Rugby League.

Like Taunton, Macclesfield RUFC is also celebrating its 150^th Anniversary and their home ground is named Priory Park. Macclesfield climbed to National League One in 2012/13. They suffered relegation, bounced straight back but then plummeted down the leagues. This season marked their reappearance in the National Leagues, having won the Regional 1 North West Division last year. Macclesfield RUFC’s most famous old boy is former England and Lions captain, scrum half Steve Smith and the club for many years had the influential England Counties fly-half Ben Coulbeck.

When the two teams met in Cheshire in November it was the youngsters who made the impression on the scoresheet with first half tries for Lucas Yapp, Rocky Prowse, Archie Spokes and Oscar Kolowski – all of whom are currently off on their GAP Year travels – as well as one from Charlie Kassapian. After the break scores for Ben Heath and a second for Kolowski sandwiched one for veteran Sam Prior.

In Counties 1 Tribute Western North, Taunton Warriors will be playing away at Burnham on Sea.

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We will be welcoming A1 Windows and Doors as the match sponsor for this fixture. The team at A1 have been long term supporters of Taunton RFC and we are delighted to see them back as match sponsors this weekend.

Kick-off for Titans against Macclesfield at Veritas Park on Saturday is at 3.00pm. Entry is £15 for adults and free for Under-16s. Parking at Veritas Park on Hyde Lane costs £5 and, there will be free parking across the road in the overflow. The club has also asked for cars not to be left for the Sunday as we are the hosts for the countywide Under 9's festival.

The legendary two-course carvery is simply not worth missing out on. For any enquiries please contact the club office on 01823336363. For those turning up for kick-off, there will be hot pasties and coffees from the Proper Cornish pasty van and there will be three bars open.

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