MATCH REPORT: RAF DAZZLE TITANS UNDER MIDWEEK LIGHTS

A YOUNG Titans team showed plenty of heart and quality before ultimately going down 43-21 to a slick Royal Air Force side at Old Bath Road last night.

The pattern of play was established in the early stages as the visitors’ lively backs in particular looked a threat, Rams’ forced into a couple of strong defensive sets inside their own 22.

However, it was the home side who then clinically took the lead against the run of play, a first entry into the opposition red zone ending with a strong maul rumbling towards the line, Liam Elston then burrowing over from close range for captain Tom Humberstone to convert.

The RAF hit back swiftly, however, the second row pairing of Alex Stanley and Alex Hayton punching holes before the visitors wriggled over thanks to Connor Morris.

Jordan Oatley’s kick levelled matters, and his side nearly took the lead only for Kieron Prescott to be denied by a forward pass.
It did not take long for the livewire wing to get on the scoresheet, though, Oatley’s straightforward penalty attempt hitting the post before a few phases later Prescott was over on the left.

Oatley made amends with a terrific touchline conversion, but Titans responded and a fabulous pushover scrum was dotted down by No. 8 Terrel Harry, Humberstone equalising from the tee.

However, the RAF deservedly regained the lead at the end of an entertaining opening 40 minutes, more good work sending Henley Hawk Ryan Crowley into clubhouse corner for a score again superbly added to by Oatley.

The visitors gave themselves a little breathing space for the first time as more fine handling sent Prescott in on the left early in the second period, but Rams continued to battle away and Jordan Talia’s strong carry ended with substitute Sam Rennell beating two would-be defenders to finish superbly out wide.

Humberstone landed another cracking conversion to make it a five-point game, but the Air Force put their foot on the gas in the closing quarter to add a gloss to the score-line.

And it was no surprise the tries came out wide, the first two coming in carbon-copy fashion as resolute home defence eventually just ran out of numbers to allow Ryan Pugh to cross on the right – though he scuttled round under the posts for his first, Oatley adding the extras.

Man-of-the-match Prescott then fittingly had the final word, the try-of-the-night ending with the youngster rounding out some fabulous continuity play among the three-quarters.

Titans return to Raging Bull Shield Division One action at home to Ampthill on Saturday (2.30pm).