Taunton Titans defeat Hinckley in National 2 West

FROM full back to wing and then to scrum half, as well as scoring two tries, this game showed the all-round ability of Reece Malone in this 13-try free-flowing game, writes Mike Amos.

Taunton were 14 points down within the first 10 minutes from two break-away tries from Hinckley, the first from their right wing Dacey and the second from their very lively scrum half Pointon.

Both tries were converted by Vowles and the Titans looked exposed. Just two minutes later Henry Webb raced out from his own half to be caught just 15 metres out, but Andrew Humberstone was in support to score the try which Louie Sinclair converted.

Slick handling brought Hinckley their third try on 17 minutes by centre Pasco which Vowles converted. Just two minutes later and some fine build-up play by the Titans forwards released Charlie Wright for the second try which Louie converted.

Ben Heath scored a try on 27 minutes, which Louie converted to level the scores.

On 37 minutes Reece Malone went in for his first try of the afternoon. With Louie just missing the kick the Titans had the lead for the first time, 21-26.

On 46 minutes Malone went in for his second try which Louie converted. However, on 50 minutes Titans kicked away possession and Hinkley full back Callon fielded the ball inside his own 22, evading several Titans tackles feeding the ball on and getting the final pass to score the try.

Vowles missed the conversion. Louie kicked penalties on 63 and 66 minutes to extend the lead to 13 points but a loss of concentration by the Titans on 68 saw Pasco race in for his second try of the gam, with Vowles adding the extra points.

Louie kicked another penalty, then a piece of magic in communication and skills by Louie and Ben Heath, who had drifted wide, enabled Ben to race on to and score a try which Louie converted.

Hinkley full back Callan was then able slice through yet again and score under the posts. After touching down he quickly gathered the ball and dropped a goal for the conversion as there was less than two minutes left.

The Titans kicked off and Hinkley fielded the ball and came back on the attack for replacement front row Sam Toon to go in for a try which Vowles converted. That brought the game to an end with a narrow win for the Titans.