Exeter University 21 Taunton Titans 61

Taunton Titans made it three wins from three in convincing fashion, running in eight tries to secure a comprehensive 61-21 victory over Exeter University and give their National 2 West campaign the perfect start, writes Hugh Duder.

The Titans wasted little time in making their mark at Topsham, taking the lead after just seven minutes. Schuster-Wood made a decisive break before James Burgoyne picked up and went from close range to score Taunton's opening try. Tom Putt added the conversion to make it 0-7.

Just six minutes later, Taunton doubled their advantage. Scott Gibson collected a rebound and released a long pass to Ben Parsons, who was stopped just short of the Exeter line. Parsons showed great awareness to lay the ball back to the supporting Gibson, who gathered and crossed for the Titans' second try. Putt again added the extras to make it 0-14.

Taunton continued to dominate possession and territory and added a third try on 25 minutes, extending their lead to 0-19.

Ten minutes later, captain Conor Vickery took possession just outside the Titans' 22 and produced a superb scything run straight through the middle of the Exeter defence. With support around him, Vickery went under the posts to score, with the conversion taking Taunton to 0-26 and securing the all-important try bonus point.

The Titans continued to press as half-time approached, although they were dealt a blow when Burgoyne suffered a nasty cut around the eye and was replaced by Will Vaughan.

There was still time for another score before the interval. In added time, Troy Jackson showed his pace out wide, sprinting clear and outpacing the Exeter defence to score his first try for Taunton. Putt converted to give the Titans a commanding 0-33 half-time lead.

Taunton made two changes at the beginning of the second half, with Henry Batty replacing Vickery and Ben Oliphant-Thompson coming on for Guy.

The changes did little to disrupt the Titans' momentum, and on 46 minutes Gabe Mead crossed for another Taunton try. Putt added the conversion to make it 0-40.

For the next 20 minutes, the Titans continued to enjoy territorial advantage, but Exeter's students showed plenty of determination and defended stubbornly to keep Taunton at bay.

Eventually, the pressure told. Following some excellent handling, Ben Oliphant-Thompson found a gap and went over between the posts. Putt converted, taking the score to 0-47.

Exeter finally found a way through on 71 minutes, crossing the whitewash to register their first points of the afternoon and make it 7-47.

The Titans responded almost immediately. From the restart, Freddie Elliott seized upon a dropped ball and raced clear to score another converted try, restoring Taunton's 47-point advantage at 7-54.

Just two minutes later, Henry Batty added his first try for the Titans. The ever-reliable Tom Putt added the conversion to make it 7-61.

Exeter continued to battle until the final whistle and added two further tries during six minutes of added time, but the result was never in doubt as Taunton completed a thoroughly impressive 61-21 victory.

The Titans' defence was tested at times, particularly during the closing stages, but throughout the afternoon they showed resilience and never looked like allowing Exeter back into the contest.

Three games, three wins and plenty of attacking rugby — it has been an excellent opening to the National 2 West campaign for Taunton.

The Titans now return to Summerfield Stadium next Saturday, 26th September, where they welcome Hornets.

Taunton Titans v Hornets
Saturday 26 September
Kick-off: 3:00pm

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