Taunton Titans win at Barnstaple in latest league match

A fine afternoon, a sticky pitch, and the home side unbeaten at home for 18 months.

Just short of 1,000 attended a thrilling encounter, the result being in doubt to the dying seconds.

Titans were well supported by their own travelling fans, writes Hugh Duder.

The opening ten minutes were played out by way of the two tens testing each other with their accuracy via the boot.

The break came on 12 minutes, Mason delayed his pass to Reece Malone who broke and passed to Scott Gibson who scored, with Tom Putt adding the extras. 0-7.

Putt added a penalty after 22 minutes. 0-10. 

A red card for Barnstaple second row number four was quickly followed by ‘Toots’ Ratu Vakalutukali powering over following an incisive break by Jo Toogood. 5-17.  On the stroke of half-time, Moore forced his way over for Barnstaple to score after prolonged pressure in the Titans 22.

Half time score: 10-17.

Titans were held up ten minutes into the second period then going forward threw a loose pass for Cameron Johnson to score a converted try 17-17.  Seven minutes later, he scored again running the length of the pitch after Titans five metres from scoring themselves passed off the ground into the hands of Johnson. The conversion was good and Barnstaple led 24-17 after 59 minutes.

After that careless seven minutes, Taunton gradually gained control through territory and patience, aided by replacements Alex Long and Jo Elsworthy in the pack.  A good move on 77 minutes - Jay Toogood with his pace finding space to run in behind the home team defence enough to narrow the angle for the successful conversion that followed his try, bringing the scores level 24-24.

There was still time for one more play and bizarrely Barnstaple kicked off straight into touch. A scrum on the half-way and Taunton had the put in. Gibson to Putt who found Mason who signalled a grub kick to Matt Whitlock who sprinted after the bouncing ball beating his opposite winger to catch and put down for the winning and bonus point try, which was converted by man of the match Tom Putt.

With that the final whistle sounds the end of an enthralling game.

This Saturday Titans entertain Cinderford at the Summerfield Stadium, Hyde Park. 3pm kick off for their first home game of 2026.