National One Rugby: Taunton Titans 49-14 Sedgley Park Tigers

THE Taunton Titans put in a very convincing performance on Saturday (February 10) to defeat Sedgley Park Tigers at a full Veritas Park.

The match in the National One Rugby division ended 49-14 in favour of the Titans as they were dominant from start to finish.

Coming in to the match, Taunton flyhalf Frankie Dart was ruled out with sickness meaning Dan Martin filled in and Oscar Stewart moved to full back.

Titans looked strong early and from a break in play Deago Bailey had the first chance of the match as charged down the wing to go close.

From the next play though Isaac Dalton forced his way over for the opening try in true front row fashion, Martin narrowly missed the conversion and it was 5-0 after 7 minutes.

After some more strong play from Taunton they extended their lead from a penalty in the 14th minute for 8-0.

Against the run of play, on 19 minutes Sedgley pulled a try back after Taunton gave possession away through a poor kick down the middle. Richmond spread it out wide to score a converted try for 8-7.

Taunton didn’t let that stop their strong half though and forced their way down the pitch and scored in the 28th minute through Ollie Burrows. It was unconverted and the score was 13-7.

Soon after, on 33 minutes, Ratu Vakaulutukali beat two men on a surging run and went over under the posts for a converted try to push Taunton to 20-7.

And the hosts picked up their fourth try bonus point when they went further in front before half time. Bailey snatched up a loose ball on the intercept and charged in from half way to score under the posts and Martin converted for 27-7.

Another penalty before the break made the score 30-7 and wrapped up a very impressive display from the Titans in the first forty.

A missed penalty was the first action of the second half as Taunton looked to extend the lead.

In the scrum, at the breakdown and on the drive forward, Taunton were leading the battle and they looked good for their lead.

Sam Leworthy pushed the hosts further in front in the 55th minute, as he barged over the line to score, Martin missed the conversion but the score was 35-7.

Then Charlie Wright made it an even better day for Taunton in the 61st minute when he crossed for a try after more top work from the hosts and Martin converted for 42-7.

Wright then crossed for a carbon copy try in the 75th minute which was converted by Martin to really seal the win and strong performance.

The visitors were determined to get on the scoreboard for a second time and they did right at the death through a penalty try to make it 49-14.

But across the board it was a special performance from the Titans, their best all season in fact, and one that will hopefully propel them out of the relegation zone.