Chester v Taunton Titans

National League 2 West: Chester 38 Taunton Titans 33

The long trip north rewarded Taunton with two points in a game of two halves, writes Hugh Duder.

Taunton gave debuts to Dodd, O’Brian and Burnett – all applying themselves well.

It was the home team who opened the scoring on 11 minutes, followed three minutes later with a converted try courtesy of a lucky bounce to lead 12-0.

On 21 minutes, loose defence let in Chester 17-0.

On 25 minutes, their prolific try scorer Ben Ivory broke several tackles to run in under the posts to score the bonus point and lead 24-0.

On 34 minutes, Taunton got onto the scoresheet with a catch and drive try for Elvis Taione, bringing the half time score to 24-5.

Three minutes after the restart, a determined run into Chester’s 22 by Ratu Vakalutukali followed by a tap-and-go penalty and Isaac Dalton went over for a converted try 24-12. But then two tries inside three minutes – one each for the Chester centres – and suddenly Titans were looking at a deficit of 26 points. 38-12 with 31 minutes remaining.

Titans ‘never say die’ spring into the game, pushing the Chester pack backwards, resulting in a driving mall for Taione to score his second try, converted by Tom Putt. 38-19.

On 65 minutes, Titans with another catch-and-drive and Archie Spokes touched down for another converted try 38-26.

On 72 minutes, Freddie Elliott went over inside out. Putt converting. 38-33.

Titans were now all over Chester, and with eight minutes remaining, looked to snatch victory.

Several plays under the hosts posts followed by an attempt out wide – chance gone.

Chester cleared but gave up a penalty. The kick to touch went just inside the dead ball post. End of the game after a pulsating finish, Titans lost nothing in defeat.

Next Saturday (October 25) Titans are at home to Redruth at the Summerfield Stadium. Kick off at 3pm.

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