Loughborough v Taunton Titans

The conditions on a newly laid artificial pitch at the university had all the hallmarks of a tight game, as both sides play an expansive game.

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This made for an exciting encounter; either side could have won to the final whistle.

Early mistakes by the visitors with Loughborough taking the lead 7–0 after just four minutes.

A penalty for offside gave the Uni advantage but Titans responded following a scrum with a clear and drive, Alex Spurdle scoring 7–5 on 11 minutes.

The home side worked the ball wide with a good move out wide, their winger going in under the posts on 14 minutes, 14–5.

Four minutes later, Titans were shown a yellow card for a high tackle but to their credit scored a converted try when Nick Mason burst over from a Putt assist.

This was Mason's 400th point for the Titans, reducing the deficit to 14–12.

On 37 minutes against the run of play the Uni ran the ball in for a converted try after confusion in the Titans’ defence.

Half-time: 21–12.

It wasn’t until 20 minutes into the second half that Taunton closed the deficit to two points when Scott Gibson, on his return from injury, pounced on the ball from loose handling, went blind around the front of the lineout, dodged two tackles, and scored a brilliant individual try converted by Putt.

21–19.

This gave momentum to the Titans but a second yellow card and the home side capitalised, scoring a converted try - 28–19.

Back came the Titans and with five minutes remaining Freddy Elliot went over in the corner for an unconverted try - 28–24.

Taunton’s hopes were dashed when they conceded a penalty 35 metres out which was converted, Loughborough taking the match 31–24.

Taunton came away with two bonus points.

This was a tight encounter full of slim margins.

Taunton continue to improve and with the injury list now manageable they can look forward to their next game against table toppers Camborne at home, 3pm kick-off, at the Summerfield Stadium at Hyde Park this Saturday, November 15.

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