National One Rugby: Richmond 22-21 Taunton Titans

Taunton travelled to Richmond on Saturday in their first game back for 2024 in the National One Rugby division and narrowly lost, writes Hugh Duder.

The Titans played Richmond, who play on part of King Charles crown estate, a world heritage site where Henry VIII jousted. His home was Richmond Palace until it burnt down, and he moved to Hampton Court.

A cold day made conditions ideal for rugby on a perfectly prepared pitch, but the ending to the match was tough to take as Taunton missed a penalty kick with could have won the game.

The home side went into a 5-0 lead after four minutes when a kick ahead for left wing Hamish Graham to score in the corner.

Taunton made their first foray into Richmond’s 22 when winger Oscar Stewart scored with Frankie Dart making a good conversion from wide out. 5-7.

24 minutes gone and Titans were in again after good inter play with Luke Bralsford scoring out to the right again Dart was on target giving the visitors a 5-14 lead.

Right on half time and against the run of play a tap penalty caught Titans by surprise and Richmond closed their deficit to 10-14 on half time.

Twelve minutes into the second half and a long Titans throw went straight to Richmond and resulted in a simple try and Richmond led 15-14.

It didn’t take long for a Titans response. Good handling and a break by Diego Bentley and he went through under the posts for 15-21.

Titans then conceded a succession of penalties from in their own 22 up into Richmond’s 22 with Taunton unsuccessfully defending their lines for 22-21.

Titans conceded more penalties going forward and nearing the Richmond line the result was at the visitors’ mercy.

With the dying moments ebbing away they went through 30 phases ending with a penalty to win the game.

Agonisingly the kick slid past the upright and Richmond were lucky to hold on, winning 22-21.

In other news at the club, a new sponsorship deal has been signed with the company Injury Armour.

Juniors at Taunton RFC who have bought a new playing kit this season via the club website are proudly sporting the smart shirt with a familiar logo emblazoned on the chest.

Injury Armour, the sports physio and rehabilitation practice based at Veritas Park, has backed the flourishing junior section and committed to three years of sponsorship.