SO here we are at the threshold of another year and with that comes an opportunity to take an optimistic look in the crystal ball to see what we can unearth in the way of goodies for the Titans, writes Dick Macey.

There is little merit in looking backwards and chuntering about those three games that were the stumbling moments in November, there is more to be gained from examining what positives can be gleaned from those disappointments and supporting the coaching team as they pick up the squad for the second half of the season.

December’s results gave the team four wins out of four with bonus points gained in each game culminating in the thriller on the 22nd against Redruth – a huge game in all respects, with a big gate providing massive crowd support for the team which by all accounts lifted the boys over the line.

The holiday break will have given some aching bodies some welcome respite and so the Titans head up the M5 this coming Saturday for another local derby against Clifton, who themselves notched up a useful win against Dings Crusaders just prior to Christmas.

They will be fancying their chances against the Taunton boys so another big game beckons but the Titans’ form has improved and settled of late and this becomes a “must win” game.

A long conversation with Titans’ Head Coach, Tony Yapp, at New Year gave a clear marker for the thinking of the coaching team’s determination over the next few weeks.

He is of the opinion that Titans’ form is such that the game against Clifton (kick off 2.30pm) and then the home game the following week against Birmingham & Solihull (Jan 12) will set the boys up for a decisive game against Canterbury (Jan 19) and then home against London Irish Wild Geese (Jan 26) could really set the scramble at the top of the league alight.

Tony’s view is that the Titans are now right in the mix for one of the top two places and, although The Rams are out in front, Henley and Tonbridge Juddians could well upset an apple cart or two when those three play each other.

There are some exciting games ahead.

Tony reports that lock, Milo Reynolds, and flanker, Jamie Fleming, will be fit again for selection as will loosehead prop, Connor Baker, so his squad will be looking leaner and meaner, always recognising that the game these days is all about a playing squad of 20 on match days and not 15 as in days of yore.

The view from the supporters’ benches is applauding the key contributions being made week on week by the half-backs, Jacob Nash at scrum-half and Lewis Webb at out-half, who has also taken over the captaincy, both bringing a confidence and decisiveness which is providing a key influence.

Have I over-egged the optimism?

I don’t think I have and the Taunton faithful will be as buoyed up as this correspondent.

There is much to look forward to in 2019.