West Country Wills Match Preview Round 13 Hinckley vs Taunton Titans

Taunton Titans not only took on Redruth last time out, but also had to contend with the barrage of Storm Darragh at Veritas Park. Theconditions were atrocious with the prevailing wind and sideways rain battering both teams. It made for a low scoring game in which Titans and Redruth sharedthe spoils with a 10-10 draw, ensuring the Titans remain unbeaten at home this season. This leaves the Titans second in the table but with team around them having a game in hand. The Taunton heartly supporters braved the weather with 310 in for the Christmas home game lunch and a total attendance of over 700 braving the winds and rain. Ben Oliphant-Thompson (sponsored by G&L Asbestos Consultancy) was named man of the match, and was presented his bottle of E8ighteen Gin from Match and Ground sponsor; Veritas Park Glazing Solutions.

It's another hike for the Titans this weekend and an improbable one at that. Strangely, since this division is National League Two West, the destination on Saturday is – for the second time this season – the East Midlands. On this occasion it’s to De Montfort Park, home of Hinckley RFC, that we’re headed. One could be forgiven for mistaking it for the Somerset derby because Hinckley play in yellow and black hoops and are known as the Hornets but the clash in Weston-super-Mare is next Saturday. Mark you diaries well, if you’re going on the road to follow Titans, it’s Leicestershire this Saturday and a short hop up the M5 next.

Formally formed in 1892 at Hinckley Grammar School, Hinckley have been fixtures in National Two since winning a promotion play-off against opponents from National Three North in 2016. They finished solidly mid-table in 7^th place last season but this time around are in the lower reaches of the ladder and, following an impressive away win at Old Redcliffians last time out, are sitting 11^th in the table.

Director of Rugby, Chris Campbell, has been at the club in various coaching roles since 2012 and the Head Coach is Emyr Lewis. Hinckley prides itself on bringing through local talent and Riley Gilbert exemplifies this, the 18 year-old freshly promoted from the colts scoring a try on debut in their first win of the season against Clifton.

Kick-off is at 3pm at De Montfort Park which is on Leicester Road, LE10 3DR. Limited places only remain for the pre-match Christmas roast turkey lunches available for £35 per head but appears to have to be as part of a table booking of 10. This price includes the match entry ticket. To book visit https://www.tickettailor.com/events/hinckleyrugbyclub/1287108?.

If you don’t fancy the trek to the East Midlands, how about popping down to Veritas Park to support Taunton Warriors? The Warriors, refreshed by a week off, host Gordon League who are several places below them in Counties 1 Tribute Western North. Kick-off at Veritas Park is at 3pm.

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