TITANS head coach Tony Yapp has urged his side to up their game for this weekend’s trip to second-place Cambridge, despite heading into the game on the back of a sixth successive bonus-point win in National Two South.

Yapp was far from satisfied with his side’s performance in Saturday’s 26-22 victory over Bury St Edmunds at Hyde Park and said a repeat display this weekend would almost certainly result in a first defeat of the season.

He said: “It's funny how sometimes you can win a game with a bonus-point and walk away feeling a little deflated.

That seemed to be the case on Saturday - players and coaches were fully aware that Saturday could have been our first loss of the season, had it not been for some solid defending late in the game.

“We had ample opportunities to win the game comfortably, but for some poor decisions from the players and a reluctance to tackle low, which meant that Bury were in the game with 15 minutes to go - and that was the momentum they needed to push on to try and win the game.

“We all felt that our performance wasn't what we would have liked, but credit to Bury, they kept trying to play right up until the very end and I can see them beating a lot of teams this season.

“This now is a big week for us with regards to the fact we have Cambridge on Saturday, who are going very well themselves, and we know a performance like last week will almost certainly result in a loss.

“That said we have one or two players coming back into contention and with a big training week planned we're all looking forward to the challenge of Cambridge away come Saturday.”

Forwards coach, Chris Brown said: “It was a pretty frustrating day at the office.

“We started so well and kept the ball tight which paid dividend.

“We began with the sort of accuracy we have come to expect, but laboured until half time, and that trend continued in the second-half.

“Set piece wise, our scrum was dominant throughout and we were physical throughout.

“However, we did not hit our straps at lineout which was unusual and we will have to ensure we do some work there.

“In defence we also needed to make lower tackles and the lads can be assured that we will seek to rectify this in training this week.

“Overall, however, we showed great grit and determination to come through and win when the chips were down.

“The defence held form when it counted and to win in that circumstance was pleasing.

“We have made a great start and will need to be at our best this weekend prior to Cambridge who have also found form.

“Our lads have worked hard this season and I'm sure they will raise the bar this weekend in what promises to be a mouth-watering encounter.”

Cambridge have already played some of the more fancied teams in the league, claiming bonus point wins against Chinnor, Old Albanians, as well as Redruth and Canterbury away, both of which are notoriously difficult places to win.

Cambridge’s only slip up was away to Bishops Stortford, who the Titans face the following week.

Taunton will be looking to select from a strong squad for this trip and with two more players making their Titans debuts last weekend - backs Harry Strong and Joe Simmonds, both of whom are in the England U20’s setup, as well as Stuart Persey, who joined the club in the summer - the selection conversation amongst the coaches this week is certain to be an interesting one.