THE satisfaction derived from returning to sunny Taunton after one of the longest road trips of the season, in this instance the return trip to Canterbury, with a hard-won win under your belt is enormous, writes Dick Macey

It is made all the sweeter in that the weather had been foul and the team managed to overcome all the difficulties that come with that.

The Kentish side are never an easy team to conquer, indeed their visit to Taunton earlier in the season was equally hard-won, and they exposed the throwing in at the  line-out frailty which the Titans have struggled with this season.

This time the boys played with the considerable wind advantage and down the slope in the first half and although they managed to go in at half-time 7-0 up, thanks to a Dan Frost try converted by Gary Kingdom, some sceptics were of the opinion that wouldn’t be enough and they would be subjected to a masterclass in playing the conditions as was the case in Redruth.

The second half began with all of that foreboding seeming about to become a reality when the home side clawed their way back into the game and then went ahead 12-7 with 20 minutes to go.

It was then that the Titans showed they are learning the lessons regarding playing in less than ideal conditions, and with their superior fitness showing itself as the game wore on they grabbed the game by the scruff and regained the lead through another Frost try.

Taunton then added salt to the wound by going further ahead with a try from scrum-half Lewis Webb, with both scores again converted by Gary Kingdom.

The one big surprise from the other fixtures in the league last Saturday was Wimbledon’s mauling of Henley on the Thames Valley side’s home turf and the close game Old Redcliffians gave Redingensians before succumbing right at the death.

This coming Saturday the Titans are entertaining near-neighbours Clifton, who are really struggling near the foot of the table and will be desperate to gain points at the expense of the Taunton boys (kick-off 3pm).

The game will be preceded by a carvery lunch (sit down at 12.45pm) hosted by The Friends and will be spiced up with an Auction of Promises with a very interesting bag of goodies to be put under the hammer. It will be fun!