HINCKLEY v TAUNTON TITANS
HINCKLEY v TAUNTON TITANS
Twice postponed this was the only fixture in National 2. A cold still afternoon in ideal playing conditions, the 2 teams sitting in 3rd and 4th positions in the league writes Hugh Duder.
A frantic start and with plenty of possession Titans went ahead after a good move and skipper Ratu Vakalutukali going over, Tom Putt adding the extras 0-7 after five minutes. With determination from the re-start and after several line-outs Hinckley mauled over 5-7 and three minutes later went over again with Titans defence missing their tackles and Hinckley led 10-7. Dropped passes by the Titans gave the hosts possession leading to their third try 17-7 followed by a penalty 10-7. Dropped passes by the Titans gave the hosts possession leading to their third try 17-7 followed by a penalty 20-7. This on 29 minutes.
Scott Gibson showed his experience with an individual try of quality, Putt converting 20-14. Unfortunately for Titans they conceded a converted try with the last play of the half having given away several penalties 27-14 at the break.
The start of the second half belonged to the hosts; a converted try and penalty increased their lead to 37-17.
Taunton responded with Gibson bagging his brace 37-21. Hinckley converted a penalty 40-21. On 62 minutes Elvis Taione was driven over, Putt converting 40-28. Five minutes later a super break by Vakalutukali who passedto Freddy Elliott who scored in the corner, the conversion sliding past the upright. 40-33.
Titans came forward again and from a short taken penalty an intended pass was easily read by the Hinckley centre, who intercepted and ran in for a simple try to end the game. An entertaining match for the neutral Hinckleys win keeping them in 3rd spot over a frustrated Titans side who, despite scoring 5 tries, suffered from some indifferent decisions.
This week Taunton travel toCamborne who top the league, followed by a home gain against Lymm on March 21st.
