Cinderford v Taunton Titans

National League Two West: Cinderford 21 Taunton Titans 34

It was a day for all seasons up in the Forest of Dean where Cinderford were the hosts as Taunton looked for an improved performance from their home defeat last week, writes Hugh Duder.

With only six minutes on the clock, Taunton were held up only for Cinderford to go the length of the pitch to lead 7-0.

On 14 minutes, Tom Putt slotted a penalty 7-3.

With 23 minutes gone, winger Oscar Kolowski displayed good footwork to break the Cinderford defence and go over in the corner. 7-8.

A turnover on 30 minutes led to Cinderford scoring a converted try. 14-8 with the score remaining unchanged at half time.

Some 47 seconds from the re-start, there was a good break by Jay Toogood which saw ‘Toots’ Vakalutukali score a converted try and Taunton led14-15 which kickstarted a brilliant second half of running rugby.

Although the Titans were held up twice until on 55 minutes Reece Malone sprinted into the line, broke a tackle and went over for a converted try. 14-22.

Nick Mason, who was playing his 200th game for Titans and was making a solid contribution, suffered an injury and was replaced by Matt Whitlock.

On 64 minutes, Freddie Elliot went over for an unconverted try.14-27.

Six minutes later saw Conor Banks scored this time converted by Tom Putt. 14-34.

A last-second try for Cinderford saw the score finish at 21-34.

Second half brilliance brought Titans a comfortable win with their scrum growing in confidence and the backs showing their superiority.

This performance will give Taunton the belief they can carry on and set up a sequence of victories starting with Luctonians at home at the Summerfield Stadium on Saturday (October 11).

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