West Country Wills Match Preview Round 10 Taunton Titans vs Devonport Services

With the exception of a derby fixture against Hornets – and we all know how such games can turn the form guide on its head – Titans have yet to come up against a side in the bottom six of National League Two West this term. That changes this Saturday with a home game at Veritas Park against Devonport Services who currently lie at the bottom of the table. Though the coaching staff must be licking their lips in anticipation of a run of games that they are expected to win, the game is not played on paper and more than ever it will be important to raise the performance on game days. Last Saturday Titans made the short journey to the outskirts of Bristol to play Clifton and found themselves chasing the game from early on. However, from 33 – 7 down deep into the 2^nd half the Titans came back to claim both a four-try bonus and a losing bonus point, courtesy of a Clifton red card, a pair of Rocky Prowse tries and another for the young winger which was deemed a penalty try, denying him a hat-trick but ensuring the margin of defeat did not exceed seven points.

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.

Devonport Services were still searching for their first victory of the campaign heading into last weekend but they exorcised that demon by beating Redruth 27-23 and they should not be underestimated. They are coached by Rikki Bentham and Ben Russell and are captained from Number 8 by Matt Gregory. No team reaches this level without having some degree of ability so it will be up to Titans to ensure that they maintain their focus if they are to secure the chocolates and remain on the coat-tails of pace-setters Camborne.

In Counties 1Tribute Western North, fourth-placed Taunton Warriors head to Cinderford. Last week the Warriors succumbed 43-26 in an away game against Clifton IIs. Like Devonport Services, Cinderford IIs sit at the bottom of the division and have had to cope with a points deduction meaning that, although they have a victory in the ledger, their points tally is currently at ‘nul points’.

Appropriately enough given that Devonport Services are Titans’ opposition on Saturday, this fixture will be our annual Armed Forces Day. There will be dignitaries attending. The teams will line up on the pitch for the traditional act of Remembrance prior to kick-off so spectators are asked to take their seats in good time in anticipation of the ceremony.

The Match Ball Sponsor for the event is Clarke Willmott who are  Leading solicitors advising individuals and businesses based in the UK and overseas on complex matters. Clarke Willmott have been a long term supporter of Taunton RFC and for the 2024/25 season have further added to their support which really makes the difference for TRFC. We hope they all have a great day at Veritas Park and enjoy what we hope will be another fantastic game of rugby.

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Taunton RFC have also purchased the rights to show the England v South Africa game which kicks off at 17:40 so please stay around after the game and enjoy this on the big screens with plenty of company cheering on England.

Kick-off for Titans against Devonport Services at Veritas Park is at 3pm. Entry is £15 for adults and free for Under-16s. Parking at Veritas Park on Hyde Lane costs £5 or is free in the overflow opposite. Booking must be made in advance for the fabulous two-course pre-match carvery upstairs in the clubhouse, at just £25per head. To book please contact the club office on 01823 336363. 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.

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