THE Titans this weekend head to North Devon for the first ever league fixture at level 4 against Barnstaple (ko 2pm).

The North Devon side were promoted to their highest ever level last season after winning a spectacular playoff 31-30 against Tonbridge Juddians 31-30.

With the step-up in leagues Barnstaple struggled to find their feet in the opening weeks of the season but over the last month they have picked up two home wins and a draw away to Barnes last weekend.

So now that they are settled in the league and have some National 2 experience for their players alongside some well-established National league players, having picked up several from the Cornish All Blacks over the close season along with former Plymouth Albion captain Jake Murphy, they will be relishing their first local derby at home and will play with no fear or inhibitions.

The Titans, who got back to winning ways last week, will not be able to take the hosts lightly even if they are at the other end of the table, and will have to be at their best to take anything away from Pottington Road.

With a few players back last weekend and both Sam Prior and Dan Frost getting on the scoresheet the coaches will be hoping that there is light at the end of the tunnel from injuries and illnesses.

With the likes of Tom Popham and Toby East both close to being back in contention the timing couldn’t be more important as the weather starts to change and with some big games coming up, starting with Barnstaple this weekend.

Taunton RFC will be hosting Clevedon in the quarter-finals of the Somerset Cup this coming Friday (ko 7.30pm). The hosts will be selecting a strong club squad with the exception of the Titans, who will be playing the following afternoon.

This will certainly test the young team as Clevedon are a well-established South West 1 team who will be fielding their 1st XV.

With all of the Taunton players looking to break into the Titans squad this will be a good gauge to see where this team and the players rank. Entry is £5 on the gate.