SATURDAY was a day to remember for Taunton Rugby Club both on and off the field.

The occasion started with the always excellent Pre Match Carvery that was attended by more that 300 people, which included 160 former players one of the largest gatherings for many a year, writes Richard Walsh.

Among the former players who ranged across the decades  were 13 former captains including Mike Wilkins who began his career with TRFC back in the early 1950s and went on to have a long and successful playing career with the club during which he skippered the side. 

Now 92 years old Mike taught at Heathfield School as well as being deputy head at Priory Junior School in Taunton and during the course of the day reunited with a number of his former pupils. 

The Former Players Lunch also included the 30 year reunion of the Taunton Under 17s side that won the Somerset County Cup back in 1994.

In the Somerset Under 17 Cup Final the Taunton side met Bristol Harlequins who they beat 10-8 in a thrilling match that was played at Frome RFC.

Neil Symons, James Cooper and Scott Laver, who all played in that final 30 years ago have spent months getting as many of the team of 1994 team as possible back again some coming from all over the world. 

Neil who is now the Taunton Rugby Club Captain and Chairman of the Former Players said: “The reunion was extra special as most of the team have not seen each other in the 30 years as many moved away after college and university.It was a wonderful occasion.”

Once the lunch was over it was outside to watch Taunton Titans who started the day bottom of the table take on fifth placed Sedgley Park Tigers.

Fielding a side that included a couple of enforced late replacements and several team members playing out of position the Titans gave their best all round performance of the season to run out the winners.49-14 to lift themselves off the foot of the table.

Following the action on the park many repaired back inside out of the rain into the clubhouse to watch England triumph over Wales at Twickenham.

Yes it certainly was a day to remember for all of those who ventured to Veritas Park on Saturday afternoon. 

Titans are next at home on Saturday 9th March when they host Bishop’s Stortford kick off 3pm.

Looking further ahead Taunton RFC, who were founded back in 1875  celebrate their 150th anniversary in 2025 ahead of which several events have been arranged.

The first of these is the Anniversary Grand Launch Dinner on 5th July followed on 6th July by TRFC Fun Day. On 17th August the club will be hosting a Celebratory Beer and Cider Festival.

On 5th July 2025 TRFC will be holding a 150th Anniversary Gala Event- The Big One.

To find out more about the above events and keep right up to date with all the latest news and views from Veritas Park log onto www.tauntonrfc.co.uk