PROMOTION-CHASING Taunton Titans are set to be boosted by the availability of Julian Salvi and Nick Mason for tomorrow’s home game against Westcliff.
Former Leicester Tigers flanker Salvi is due to be free of Exeter Chiefs commitments while centre Mason passed a fitness test on Tuesday evening having come off with concussion in the win over Tonbridge Juddians a fortnight ago, and was set to undergo another last night to have his place in the squad confirmed.
The hosts’ top try scorer Isaac Dalton is doubtful, while Sam Prior came through 80 minutes for the Warriors last weekend as he works his way back into contention.
Titans head coach Tony Yapp praised his side’s display in last weekend’s 23-22 win at Old Albanians in a match he said his side “may well have lost this time last year”.
The victory kept Taunton third and they are now just four points behind Henley, who were beaten at Redruth last weekend, and five behind leaders Tonbridge - the top two play each other tomorrow.
“That opens up an opportunity for us but we have to focus on ourselves and keep our own house in order,” Yapp said.
“Redruth are in the race now as well - there are four teams involved.”
Taunton beat Westcliff 54-27 in October’s reverse fixture and tomorrow’s visitors arrive at Hyde Park sat 13th in the table.
“They posed us a few problems at their place but we were able to pull away in the end,” Yapp said.
“We know they have the ability to disrupt us if we are not on our game.
“Hopefully, we will have another big crowd behind us and we can put on a show for our supporters.”
The game, which kicks off at 3pm, will be preceded by the President’s Day lunch with an auction and raffle.
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