Taunton Titans 43-28 Blackheath

LOOKING for their first win in seven games, Taunton Titans welcomed one of the founding clubs of the Rugby Football Union, Blackheath, to Veritas Park on Saturday, writes Richard Kitzinger.

The visitors, lying six points behind Taunton in the table, began sharply with a try after just two minutes when Marcus Burcham scythed through the midfield to dot down beneath the black dot.

Undaunted, the Titans soon levelled the scores when Nick Mason slipped a tackle and steamed through before feeding scrum-half Connor Banks who had run a strong supporting line on the inside shoulder.

Further tries were exchanged and Titans hit the front when forward pressure and a series of penalties, led to a pick and dive try by captain Charlie Wright in the corner and then sustained pressure resulted in Mason drawing in two defenders, creating space for number 8 Sam Prior to barge over the whitewash.

Again, there was an immediate response and Blackheath’s Dan Hiscocks’ score meant that the Londoners went in for the oranges ahead by 19-21.

Both sides were battling the fierce wind as well as each other so it was to the hosts’ credit that they notched the next three scores. Hooker Alex Spurdle was driven over by the forward pack to secure the fourth try bonus point.

Then quick hands sent Oli Down sprinting in down the right wing for the fifth and, following a break down the left by Ratu Vakalutukali, the ball was recycled and Wright charged over the try-line for his second score of the day.

The Fijian Vakalutukali, who was lively and threatening after his second half entry from the bench, secured the 43-28 victory for the Somerset side when he raced clear of the defence to the delight of the home supporters.

Wright and his fellow forwards had an impressive second half, ensuring that the Titans maintained their dominance in the final half hour of the game – just the point where in recent weeks the men from Somerset have fallen away.

A strong platform up front allowed Banks and fly-half Jack Walsh to make good ground with some judicious kicking.

It was an important win for Tony Yapp’s men, lifting them a place in the table and needing probably one more win from the remaining six league fixtures to secure a second season in National League One.