2023 kicks off for Taunton Titans with a couple of home league fixtures in consecutive weeks, beginning with this Saturday’s visit of Cambridge, writes Richard Kitzinger.

The away side lie in fourth place in the National League One table but, with a couple of games in hand over leaders Sale FC, will have an eye on the promotion spot at the top of the ladder.

In Cambridge’s last league fixture before Christmas they let a half-time lead slip at Leeds to finish with a 17-17 draw in Yorkshire.

Titans were defeated in Devon by Plymouth Albion in the festive season’s West Country derby match.

After a winless first half to the season at Veritas Park, Tony Yapp will be hoping to mastermind a recovery starting with the visit of the East Anglians.

Taunton has the honour of being the first team to play Cambridge in their centenary year.

Cambridge Coach Richie Williams has built a squad with considerable muscle up front and with great pace on the flanks.

In the clash at Volac Park earlier in the season, the Blood and Sand prevailed by 39-14.

Taunton were very competitive, particularly in the forwards, but were profligate with their handling in attack and missed some crucial tackles in midfield.

Entrance to Veritas Park is £15 per adult. The two-course pre-match carvery lunch is not to be missed and can be booked by emailing functions@tauntonrfc.co.uk or by calling 01823 336363.

Parking at Veritas Park on Hyde Lane is available and costs £5 per vehicle. Kick-off is at 3pm.

Taunton’s second-string Warriors, meanwhile, face a trip Whitchurch in Bristol to face mid-table St Bernadette’s Old Boys.

John Wrelton’s Warriors are in third place in the league, but with games in hand over the teams above them.