A BATTLING Taunton Titans rattled Hartpury College at Hyde Park on Saturday, but it was not enough stop the ambitious Gloucester side taking the spoils in a gritty and entertaining match.

“It was a magnificent defeat" said Titans director David Webber. “The lads gave their all and certainly deserved more for their efforts.”

Indeed with ten minutes remaining in Saturdays dramatic encounter the Titans were within striking distance of pulling off a dramatic win to add to their 28pts-10 victory over Clifton in their last league outing, but it was not to be as the Gloucester side rallied to take a late penalty and try that denied the Titans even a losing bonus point.

“There's no time for sentiment" Webber continued, “The lads were brilliant to take a bonus point win at Clifton, and superb in defeat this week against promotion hopefuls Hartpury.

“We travel to Lydney on Saturday for a hugely important game, and will be looking to recapture our winning form before returning to Hyde Park in a fortnight for Shelford Showdown Saturday.”