National 2 South

Dings Crusaders 27, Taunton Titans 45

The Titans clambered back to the top of the table after a barnstorming second half performance brought them a hard-won away victory over Bristol neighbours Dings Crusaders, writes Dick Macey.

Jack Arnott, Taunton’s spring-heeled winger, gave the Titans an early lead with an unconverted try but that proved to be a false dawn as the home side, apparently playing the best rugby of their season to date, set about showing off their talents.

With a couple of penalty goals and three converted tries, they stormed into a 27-5 lead leaving the Titans gasping and bewildered.

It was only after about half an hour that the Taunton boys gathered up their skirts, regained some equilibrium, and clawed two tries back.

One was a penalty try and one provided Arnott’s second after good work by Greg Kitson.

Arnott’s score was converted by Gary Kingdom to bring the Titans into the game at 27–19 as the half-time whistle blew.

The second half was an altogether different tale with the Titans closing the door on Dings with an excellent team display as they applied increasing pressure.

The fleet-footed Oscar Kolowski claimed the first try of the second session, converted by Kingdom, with the second scored by hooker, Chris Francis, again converted, which put the Titans’ noses back in front.

The visitors continued to apply the squeeze and the next try came from a good line taken by Tom Popham to put Charlie Williams over under the posts for an easy conversion by Kingdom.

The coup de grace was applied by Isaac “Sniffer” Dalton with his 10th try of the season which brought the Titans to the final score of 27-45.

A bonus point win which saw a satisfying outcome to a highly competitive game of rugby.

Taunton sit two points clear at the top after Tonbridge Juddians were beaten at Clifton in the latest round of fixtures in this competitive league.

Taunton Titans: Connor Baker, George Gosling, Isaac Dalton, Stuart Persey, Barry Chapman, Charlie Williams, Brett Harvey, Dan Lee (capt); Lewis Webb, Gary Kingdom, Oscar Kolowski, Tom Popham, Nick Mason, Jack Arnott, Greg Kitson. Replacements: Chris Francis, Sonny Haines, Ben Oliphant-Thompson, Charlie Samways Freddie Fraser

This Saturday sees the Titans return to Towergate Stadium for what will be their final home game before Christmas.

Their opponents will be Bury St. Edmunds and the kick off has been brought forward to 2pm at the visitors’ request.

The game will be preceded by a carvery lunch (commencing at noon) hosted by the Friends and the whole package adds up to a very enticing afternoon.