Taunton Titans bring Barnstaple back down to earth

Barnstaple Rugby Club were brought back down to earth after their stunning opening-day victory at the University of Exeter, suffering a 24-12 home defeat against Taunton Titans in National 2 West.

The home side had opened their campaign in style, racking up more than 50 points against the students, but faced a far sterner test against a Taunton outfit who made it back-to-back victories at the start of the season.

The Titans arrived with strong travelling support and dominated possession and territory during the opening 15 minutes. Their pressure eventually told when Tom Putt kicked a penalty into the corner, setting up a dangerous attacking opportunity.

From the resulting set-piece, Taunton executed a well-drilled catch-and-drive, with Ewan Guy powering over for the opening try after 24 minutes. Putt added the conversion to put the visitors 7-0 ahead.

Taunton continued to look the more threatening side, with their backs providing an excellent platform for the forwards. Schuster-Wood made a powerful break deep into the Barnstaple 22, only for a knock-on to halt the attack.

The visitors kept up the pressure and Barham was held up over the line twice, but Barnstaple defended doggedly to stay within touching distance.

Despite Taunton controlling much of the first half, the hosts' resilience ensured there were no further scores before the interval.

Barnstaple were 7-0 down at half-time, but Taunton extended their advantage shortly after the restart.

On 45 minutes, scrum-half Scott Gibson produced another telling break and, with captain Conor Vickery in support, created the opening for the skipper to cross underneath the posts for his first try for his new club.

Putt again converted to make it 14-0.

Barnstaple responded strongly and began to put the Titans under sustained pressure. A series of mauls eventually saw the home side drive over the line on 54 minutes, cutting the deficit to 14-7 with a try from Max Moore. Cameron Johnson added the conversion.

The Titans were conceding a number of penalties as Barnstaple continued to threaten, but their defence remained resolute when it mattered.

With just four minutes remaining, Taunton were awarded a penalty and Putt calmly converted to restore some breathing space at 17-7.

The closing stages then became frantic.

Taunton were reduced to 14 men after receiving a yellow card on 77 minutes, and Barnstaple immediately took advantage. Two minutes later, Johnson scored in the corner to move within five points at 12-17.

But just when Barnstaple looked poised to complete a remarkable comeback, Taunton struck back.

Gibson was again involved as Alfie Johns spotted an opportunity and picked up to score an opportunist try underneath the posts — his first for the Titans.

Putt added the straightforward conversion to complete the scoring at 24-12 and secure a second successive victory for Taunton.

For Barnstaple, it was a disappointing result after their explosive start to the campaign, but they will have the opportunity to respond when National 2 West action resumes with a trip to Redruth this weekend.