National League Two (S)

Chinnor 23 Taunton Titans 25

TITANS squeezed out a win when they beat a determined Chinnor to head home with another five league points.

Titans started with a bang with a try for second row Duncan Hales who stretched over after just two minutes.

Chinnor headed into the Titans’ half and fly-half William Millett converted a penalty from in front.

The hosts then took the lead after turning over Titans’ ball and drawing in the defence to set up full back Marcus Beer, with Millett adding the extras.

Gary Kingdom landed a penalty to make it 10-8, however straight from the kick-off the Titans conceded another penalty in front of the posts which Millett punished once again. 

They then showed they can also score from the kick-off, when Jon Gatford somehow found himself with the ball on the touch line and showed a remarkable turn of pace, racing down the wing to score and tie the game at 13-13 after 18 minutes.

After a pulsating start, things calmed down and the only other score in the half went to Millett meaning Chinnor went in at half-time 16-13 up.

Titans then used their experienced bench to great effect and Barrie-John Chapman drove over the line with support to score - and with Kingdom converting it gave the Titans the lead for the first time since the 12th minute. 

This was followed by the fourth bonus-point try by George Cooper on his return to first team action this season. 

With a scrum ten metres out, number eight Sam Prior picked up and drew in a couple of defenders before Cooper barged his way over. 

Jamie Fleming also came off the bench and made his first appearance after breaking his leg in pre-season and with Alex Spurdle adding extra ball carries and energy in defence, they added to the team effort.

This gave the Titans a 16-25 lead which was cut by former Exeter Chiefs, Cornish Pirate and Bristol centre Junior Fatialofa, who still has excellent foot work and danced through to score, converted by Millett to make it a two point game.

Last season Titans conceded a try in the last minute through former Taunton player Reuben Haile, but this time they took control and held firm as Chinnor threw everything at the them and a great turnover by centre Freddie Fraser sealed the win.