National 2 South

Wimbledon 27, Taunton Titans 42

TAUNTON Titans survived a stirring second half comeback by newly-promoted Wimbledon to secure their fourth straight bonus-point victory as their superb start to the season continued.

The Titans began the game well and opened the scoring after six minutes courtesy of a Charlie Walker-Blair try, but the hosts responded well and took a 12-5 lead themselves after Adam Ike and Sam Waltier went over in the space of four minutes.

The topsy-turvy nature of the first half continued and Taunton quickly drew level when Ollie Rice crossed for a try which Kieran Hill converted, and birthday boy Sam Prior then dotted down to put the Titans ahead.

Lewis Webb continued his fine individual campaign by touching down in the closing stages of the first half and, though the conversion was missed, Taunton held a 22-12 lead and had already secured their bonus point by the break.

The advantage was extended further shortly after half-time when debutant James Kenny scored, but any thoughts that the Titans had put the game to bed were quickly quashed as Wimbledon came roaring back.

Ike's second narrowed the deficit to 10 and Josh Charles then went over twice in quick succession to level the scores, with the Titans grateful that all three conversions were missed.

Though the home side carried the momentum, Taunton gathered themselves and regained the lead when Conor Littlewood slotted over a penalty.

Webb and Rice then touched down their respective second tries of the day to finally put the game to bed, with Rice's effort converted by Littlewood on the final whistle to hand Taunton a 42-27 victory.

The result means the Titans maintain their 100% record ahead of next Saturday's eagerly-awaited clash with rivals Redruth at Hyde Park.