West Country Wills Match Preview Round 14 Hornets vs Taunton Titans

Taunton Titans held out in a bruising encounter last weekend, with a 27 – 17 victory over Hinckley RFC. The Leicestershire side proved that they certainly do not belong at the lower end of the table putting up a sterling fight, in what turned out to be a very close encounter. Oscar Kolowski put the Titans ahead on 7 minutes, with Louie Sinclair adding the extras, before 15 minutes later, Hinckley scored two quick tries (one converted) to take the lead 12 – 7.

5 minutes before half time, it was the rocket, Rocky Prowse who got his just deserves, going over in the corner. A calm Louie Sinclair duly added the extra to see us go in at the break 12 points a piece.

The Titans came out of the blocks quickly in the second half with Toots scoring within three minutes of the restart, but once again Hinckley hit back only 3 minutes later to level proceedings at 17 -17. The game then got scrappy with a lot of changes from both sides, but finally on 63 minutes, inside centre Jermaine Jones (JJ), put the Titans ahead once more, and once again, Louie added the extras.

On 68 minutes, the Titans were awarded a penalty on the Hinckley 22. Captain Toots selected a shot at goal to put the risk and Hinckley scoring again and levelling the game once more, firmly out of reach. Louie Sinclair didn’t disappoint, and slotted it smack bang dead centre of the sticks to help with Titans close the game out with a 27 – 17 win, and a vital 5 points on the road.

This ensures that the Titans stay second in the table, as we head into our final game of 2024.

Who doesn’t love a derby clash and especially in Christmas week? This Saturday marks the first return fixture of the season as Titans make the short journey up the M5 to Weston-super-Mare to take on Hornets. Our near neighbours are back in Somerset after making the long trip to Macclesfield where they lost against the Cheshire side, 28 - 24, a result which leaves them in ninth place, seven spots behind Titans. When Hornets visited Veritas Park in September, Titans won 34-19 in a game that was tighter than the score line might suggest. Tries were scored by Charlie Spurr, Charlie Wright, Alex Spurdle and former-Hornet Jermaine Jones.

Hornets, who naturally wear yellow and black hoops, are in their fifth season in National Two. It is the highest they have been in the league structures. Last year they finished in twelfth place but comfortably above the relegation spots. Established as a rugby club in 1962, they play their home matches on Hutton Moor Road in Weston, less than a mile and a half from Weston-super-Mare RFC. Their coaching team is led by Jack Gadd who has former Bath prop Jake Caulfield in charge of the forward pack. Connor Baker, who used to play in the front row for Titans, is now packing down for Hornets for whom youngster Josh Sheppard has been prolific try-scorer so far this term.

Kick-off between Hornets and Titans is at 3pm at The Nest which is on Hutton Moor Road, BS22 8LY. A pre match lunch is still available with a menu to be confirmed, this will be at a cost of £25 and for those who are interested in attending should contact the club directly. Hornets are expecting a good attendance on the day and have advised supporters making the journey to park across the road in 'Hutton Moor' car park.

If you fancy staying closer to home, how about popping down to Veritas Park to support Taunton Warriors? The Warriors, refreshed by a week off, host league leaders Cleeve who beat them 21-17 in the reverse fixture in Counties1 Tribute Western North earlier this season. Kick-off at Veritas Park is at 15:00.

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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