TAUNTON Titans head coach Tony Yapp has warned his side “the formbook will go out the window” when they head to local rivals Clifton on Saturday.

The Titans have won each of their first eight National 2 South matches this season, the latest of which was the 19-14 triumph over Canterbury on Saturday, and are now preparing for their shortest away trip of the campaign.

Previewing the clash, Yapp said: “There is a mutual respect between the two clubs and we know we will always get a tough game up there.

“It will be a battle, and I’m sure they would love nothing more than to be the side who ends our winning run.

“We have to be prepared for that and ensure we are on our game.”

The two matches last season were contrasting - Taunton won 25-5 in the corresponding fixture, but Clifton’s 32-30 victory at the Commsplus Stadium means the all-conquering Titans know what their opponents are capable of.

Reflecting on Saturday’s win over Canterbury, Yapp said: “The conditions were very tough for both teams and it was a massive leveller.

“I thought we had chances to put the game to bed early on, but they kept themselves in it and we had to work hard to get the win.”

Yapp also praised forwards Ratu Vakalutukali - who scored the decisive try on Saturday - and Dan Frost, who was absent as he was scoring a hat-trick for Exeter Braves, the Chiefs’ second string.

“’Toots’ has been arguably our best player so far and is becoming the first name on the teamsheet,” he said.

“I have been in discussions with Exeter about Dan, and it doesn’t surprise me that he did so well.

“He will still be available for us throughout this season, but that experience will have been invaluable for him.”

**********************************************

ELSEWHERE this weekend, there is a Somerset Premier derby in store as Wiveliscombe host Bridgwater & Albion 2nds.

Albion's firsts are at home to Keynsham in South West One, while Wellington host Tavistock in the Cornwall & Devon league.

Minehead Barbarians are on the road to Hornets in Somerset Premier, while Wyvern welcome Old Sulians in Somerset One.

Local rugby fixtures, Saturday October 28 (3pm unless stated):

National Two South - Clifton v Taunton Titans (2.30pm)

South West One - Bridgwater & Albion v Keynsham

Somerset Premier - Wiveliscombe v Bridgwater & Albion 2nds, Hornets v Minehead Barbarians

Cornwall & Devon - Wellington v Tavistock

Somerset One - North Petherton 2nds v Wellington 2nds, Morganians v Old Bristolians, Wyvern v Old Sulians

Somerset Two South - Bridgwater & Albion 3rds v Burnham-on-Sea 2nds, Minehead Barbarians 2nds v Winscombe, Weston-super-Mare v Wiveliscombe 2nds.

Somerset Three South - Chard 3rds v Minehead Barbarians 3rds, Crewkerne 2nds v Wyvern 2nds; Yatton 3rds v Taunton Wanderers

South West Pilot League - Taunton Warriors v Clifton