Syston v Taunton Titans

A full force 6 wind blew across the unprotected pitch up in north Leicestershire on a day that turned bitterly cold as the final whistle came.  Nevertheless 109 points were scored by 2 teams determined to play expansive rugby in a festive manner, throwing caution to the ‘wind’ writes Hugh Duder.

Matt Whitlock opened the scoring for the visitors, seizing an opportunity running the ball in 20 metres, after Syston gave a loose pass.  2 minutes later Erol Pearson, on debut,scored off his wing, Putt converting 0-12.  Syston found a gap on 9 minutes 5-12.  On 17 minutes they levelled the scores, opening up theTitans defence 12-12.  A deft kick with the wind by Tom Putt into the oppo 22 was followed by Titans winning the line out - finding Oli Schuster Wood barging over, his try converted by Putt 12-19.

One minute later RatuVakalutukali, taking the ball at pace, scored under the posts 12-26.  Another 2 minutes saw Scott Gibson take a pass off the scrum running at pace, touching down and after an easy conversion Tanton led 12-33.  A lucky bounce let the home side in on 28 minutes 19-33.  On 34 minutes Titans ran the ball out of defence Toots pass to Gibson onto debutant Troy Jackson, who scored the try converted 19-40.

Such was the intensity of Tauntonand 3 minutes later a Putt chip forward and Vakalutukali who, following up ranin for his second try and another Putt conversion, which made the score19-47.  Putt then scored an individual try of his own, the fly halfconverting his own try and Titans led 19-54.  Beating the oppositionand the elements led to a couple of senior home team supporters being overheardsaying that was “class”.  Could this be the first time Taunton hadscored 50 points in the first half of a league match?  

The second half proved more of achallenge as the home side raised their game led by a vociferous captain trying to avoid a white wash.  First Syston scored out on the wing 24-54,Taunton immediately replying through Dan Martin 24-59.  With the wind gaining strength and Syston some momentum, they closed the score to 36-59. Titans emptied their bench and Syston, with further determination, scored again 43-59 on 75 minutes. Titans got out of their passive mode and the final try of thegame was scored by Troy Jackson for his second. 43-66.

The elements dictated this game.  Taunton were certainly the better side.  

Taunton’s home game on Saturday v Old Redcliffians brings the curtain down at Summerfield Stadium with one away game left against Exeter University on 25^th April.  

K.O on Saturday this week is 3 pmand a large crowd is expected.

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