THE team third from the top of the league playing the team third from bottom should not provide an upset, with form dictating the outcome, or so you would think, writes Dick Macey.

But students of results this season in National League 2 South know what a false premise that can be.

The Titans’ visitors London Irish Wild Geese did not, in fact, pose a threat to the eventual outcome but it was truly surprising how strong in defence they proved to be.

Over half an hour had elapsed before the Titans were able to breach the try-line with a try by home debutant Max Woodward.

The second half began with driving rain accompanied by a biting wind, and this made handling difficult and called for greater concentration, but the impressive Toby East scored his second try.

It then took the Taunton boys another 30 minutes before they could once again get past the Geese’s stubborn and effective defence.

On reflection it was a pleasing result against the determined Exiles side in what proved to be really difficult conditions, the Titans deserving praise for their “heads down approach” while having to contend with such a greasy ball.

Fourth-placed Henley just squeezed past Dings Crusaders but failed to gain the ever-important bonus, ahead of the all-important clash between them and Taunton this coming Saturday.

Henley just pipped the Titans in October at Hyde Park, so this return fixture could not have more riding on it.

Head coach Tony Yapp insists each game will be dealt as it arises and, while acknowledging there is much to play for, “feet on the ground” is the order of the day.

The new addition to the Titans line-up, flanker Woodward, looked very impressive on his first game before the home crowd, earning the man of the match accolade, and clearly the injury to his ankle in pre-season training is behind him.