MATCH REPORT: GILMAN BOOT HELPS TITANS HOLD OFF BARNES

RAMS Titans returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 26-24 home success against Barnes Raiders.

The home side came out of the blocks strongly, though had to wait until just before the quarter-of-an-hour mark to get on the scoresheet, Stevie Bryant making a lovely 30-metre break in midfield before timing his pass perfectly for Scott Harman to run in on the left.

James Gilman landed a terrific touchline kick for 7-0, but Barnes rallied swiftly and levelled at the end of the first quarter, some fine handling getting them up to the Titans’ line before they sniped over for a converted try of their own.

Things got even better for the visitors less than two minutes later, grabbing another try without their opponents touching the ball other than to restart.

A clever chip in midfield was collected to get Barnes on the front foot before another surge down the left was halted just short of the line, only for the Londoners to burrow over from close range for a five-point lead.

Titans, though, replied almost immediately, showcasing their trademark power with a swift and efficient five-metre maul ending with debutant hooker Will Cooke touching down on the right.

Gilman’s shot at goal drifted left, but his side moved in front before half-time as another fine set-piece was this time finished off by tight-head prop Sean McDonnell-Roberts.

This time Gilman slotted a good conversion from just inside the five-metre line, and while Titans continued to have the better of territory, they had to settle for a 19-12 lead at the break.

A brief shower at the start of the second period led to a spate of handling errors, but it was Barnes who got back on terms when they utilised the maul for a converted try.

Titans moved back in front midway through the final quarter, however, a majestic Gilman pass and a fine line from Liam Goodison seeing the second row punch his way just short of the line, a lovely off-load freeing Ben Bolwell to go under the posts.

There was no mistake from Gilman, but still Barnes kept coming and they cut the gap to two points following a series of pick-and-goes.

However, what should have been a straight-forward conversion was surprisingly hooked left, and with no more points scored, it was the home side who won the day.

Titans have two weeks off before a tough trip to unbeaten HALBRO Raging Bull Shield Division One leaders Richmond Vikings (2nd XV) on Saturday, November 4.