OAs are edged in intense Taunton tussle

TAUNTON Titans were required to dig deep to find the wherewithal to overcome a determined Old Albanian side on a damp afternoon in the West Country on a pitch that resembled pudding.

Both teams tried their hardest to carve out some openings but with defences holding sway the game never really came to life.

Titans opened the scoring early with a try by hooker Chris Francis after a solid forward drive, the conversion being made by Gary Kingdom.

Despite the Titans perhaps having more territory than OAs, their failure to capitalise brought OAs into the game with a penalty goal after 25 minutes by Dan Watt, and a little later a try by Mike Hogan who showed excellent pace to run after a kick ahead for the touchdown in the corner.

The home side began the second half with determination but their inability to retain possession and some wayward throws-in at their lineout was allowing the resolute OAs to live in hope.

Eventually the Titans prevailed with a penalty goal in the 75th minute by Kingdom that edged them back into the lead, and they clung on until the final whistle to claim the victory.

OAs took home a point from the encounter and may perhaps be frustrated given what was an excellent effort on a difficult afternoon away on the road at Taunton.