TAUNTON’S Tony Yapp (head coach) and Chris Brown (forwards coach) reflect on the Titans’ season so far, giving their ‘half-term report’.

Tony Yapp said: “We’re always looking to improve year on year and I think to get to 59 points by the turn of the year is a sign we are moving in the right direction, especially with teams in the league spending big and recruiting well.

“We certainly started well, picking up bonus point wins home and away through September.

“However, we became slightly derailed through October when we lost three games that happened to coincide with the university players we have going back to their University for their BUCS competition, and some rotten luck with injuries and player unavailability.

“This was followed by a shock defeat at Barnstaple – our worst performance of the campaign to date,” Yapp added.

Barnstaple defeat kick-starts season

“Since the loss to Barnstaple, we haven’t really looked back, picking up five-point wins at home and on the road.

“We probably saved our best for the end of 2016 by beating Redruth away for the first time in what was for me our best performance of the season to date.

“The Chinnor performance was a very close second the week after.

“Those two performances and five points at Exmouth on the last weekend have catapulted us back into the running, only trailing Bishop’s Stortford by eight points, and Chinnor and Old Elthamians by six.”

The head coach concluded: “With the boys resting up for Christmas, they will be ready for what is going to be an exciting second half of the season.

“On behalf of everyone involved with the Titans, I would like to thank [the fans] for their amazing support – it really does make a huge difference to us.”

Somerset County Gazette: Dan Frost's fine individual performance could not save the Titans from defeat against Barnstaple.

Dan Frost has been one of the Titans' star performers this season

Moments of distraction have proved costly

Forwards coach Chris Brown commented: “As I have seen in many school reports, ours would read a little like this... ‘Capable of producing work of the highest standard but have moments where they are distracted, often through a lack of maturity and concentration’.

“Within any season there are highs and lows – the low points are without doubt the losses to Barnstaple and Clifton at home.

“On both occasions, the psychological side of the game was left wanting, which led to a drop in performance.

“When you are a young team this can hit you for six; the crucial part of it is whether you learn from it and bounce back,” Brown added.

“This was the case, as our high points include a thrilling win at Redruth in which, for the first time ever, we overcame the Reds on their patch with a try in Hellfire Corner by Cornish pin-up boy Lewis Webb.

“The match against Chinnor was also a cracking encounter with the cut-and-thrust of a top-of-the-table clash.

Plenty of reasons to be cheerful

“In addition, the number of bonus points we have captured is indicative of the type of rugby we are playing; it has always been our objective to play attractive, attacking, winning rugby, and we are firmly on track with that process.

“Squad members have represented Exeter Braves in the A League and been part of the Exeter University team that won BUCS, as well as international honours at student level.”

He continued: “The squad cohesion is strong, and there will be no ‘quick fix’ signings as we are determined to ensure strong foundations here at Taunton will be strong in order that the legacy of the club is intact.

“Many clubs in our league and above choose the ‘boom and bust’ model which historically has dire consequences, with teams falling through league systems or dropping out altogether.

“Finally, we have produced some really memorable, enjoyable Saturday’s this year and built a great atmosphere through effort, training and skill. For this, we should be very proud.”

Players are positioned for promotion

Looking forward, Brown said: “Are we in a position to make a push for the top two spots?

“We’re seven points behind with 14 games to go and every one of the top five to play each other again.

“Of course we are in a position to make a claim, but we must improve.

“We cannot afford to lose to drop points against teams we are expected to beat, as I am sure others will not, and we will need to continue to build our harder edges.

“Additionally, we will have to continue to give strong performances at home and knock over rivals in the top four.

“Along the way we will need a little bit of luck both on the field and in the physio room,” he added.

“The pleasing thing is that we have put ourselves in this position and to be in the race at this stage is the important factor for players, staff and spectators and our management team.

“The trick now is to enjoy the ride... fasten your seat belts everyone!”