Taunton Titans defeated by the Hornets in National League 1

On a blustery afternoon, Hornets, with a strong breeze behind them, opened the scoring on 22 minutes after an uneventful first quarter. A Titans try followed but was adjudged to have been held up. On the stroke of half0time the home side doubled their score to lead 14-0 at the break, writes Hugh Duder.

Taunton had the wind behind them in the second half and within 13 minutes levelled the score at 14-14, firstly with a penalty try followed by a typical Rocky Prowse score. 

However, Hornets weathered the storm when ex-Taunton player Conor Baker went over for a converted try to lead 21-19 with 17 minutes remaining.

Now was the time for the Titans to show why they sat in second spot in the league. Instead they got stuck inside their own 22. And four minutes later a driving catch and maul led to a converted try and Hornets increased their lead to 26-19.

Titans were conceding numerous penalties and to make things worse were given a yellow card - their second of the afternoon.

Hornets kicked the resulting penalty to close out the game with a well deserved 29-19 win.

Titan have themselves to blame after a listless first half. 

Their next game is against leaders Camborne at home on January 11 and they will need to be well prepared for this encounter.