Taunton Titans' 109-point spectacle steals the show

A full force 6 wind blew across the unprotected pitch up in north Leicestershire on a day that turned bitterly cold as the final whistle came.  Nevertheless, 109 points were scored by two teams determined to play expansive rugby in a festive manner, throwing caution to the ‘wind’, writes Hugh Duder.

Matt Whitlock opened the scoring for the visitors, seizing an opportunity running the ball in 20 metres, after Syston gave a loose pass.  Two minutes later, Erol Pearson, on debut, scored off his wing, Putt converting 0-12.  Syston found a gap on 9 minutes 5-12.  On 17 minutes, they levelled the scores, opening up the Titans defence 12-12.  A deft kick with the wind by Tom Putt into the oppo 22 was followed by Titans winning the line out - finding Oli Schuster Wood barging over, his try converted by Putt 12-19.

One minute later, Ratu Vakalutukali, taking the ball at pace, scored under the posts 12-26.  Another two minutes saw Scott Gibson take a pass off the scrum running at pace, touching down and after an easy conversion Taunton led 12-33.  A lucky bounce let the home side in on 28 minutes 19-33.  On 34 minutes, Titans ran the ball out of defence, Toots pass to Gibson onto debutant Troy Jackson, who scored the try converted 19-40.

Such was the intensity of Taunton and three minutes later a Putt chip forward and Vakalutukali who, following up, ran in for his second try and another Putt conversion, which made the score 19-47.  Putt then scored an individual try of his own, the fly half converting his own try and Titans led 19-54.  Beating the opposition and the elements led to a couple of senior home team supporters being overheard saying that was “class.”  Could this be the first time Taunton had scored 50 points in the first half of a league match?  

The second half proved more of a challenge as the home side raised their game led by a vociferous captain trying to avoid a whitewash.  First, Syston scored out on the wing 24-54, Taunton immediately replying through Dan Martin 24-59.  With the wind gaining strength and Syston some momentum, they closed the score to 36-59.  Titans emptied their bench and Syston, with further determination, scored again 43-59 on 75 minutes.  Titans got out of their passive mode and the final try of the game was scored by Troy Jackson for his second. 43-66.

The elements dictated this game.  Taunton were certainly the better side.  

Taunton’s home game on Saturday v Old Redcliffians brings the curtain down at Summerfield Stadium with one away game left against Exeter University on 25th April.