THE clock is counting down on rugby coach Tony Yapp and his Taunton Titans with just a week remaining before the arrival of Redruth Reds for the first National League action of the new season at Hyde Park on September 1.

Yapp, speaking to the Gazette, said the Titans were pleased with their pre-season progress and that with a “little rub of the green” should do well this season.

“We've adjusted well to the budget restrictions and with the help of Exeter Chiefs, the University and other elite level clubs we have assembled a talented squad of players,” he said.

“I would have liked a couple more old heads to 'steel' the team but as yet have not found the type of players we want at Taunton. It's a long season and there is time yet to strengthen."

Taunton come off the back of three high pressure warm up games where Yapp pitched his fledgling Titans against tough full time opposition at Plymouth and a strong well drilled Welsh UWIC squad.

He picked out strength and fitness coach Robbie Beddard for special mention.

"Robbie's done a great job raising fitness levels to what I expect from a national league squad,” said Yapp.

“We competed the full 80 at Brickfield and finished stronger against UWIC.”