By Stefan
September 20 2005

EARTH TITANS need to sharpen up, to put it mildly, in several areas, not least in defence, as they prepare for next Saturday's first home game against Plymouth Albion at Clifton Lane.

Against the newly re-branded Cornish side who ruthlessly hit home form, the Titans let in seven tries; four of them needlessly gifted.

Clearly, tightening the defence must be a priority for André Bester, and it won't have gone unnoticed by next week's opponent's coach - Graham Dawe - who watched the game from the terraces.

Winger Richard Welding led the way for the Pirates with a five-try haul as they blew aside the visitor's challenge. His try tally equalled Michael Wood's previous National Division One record for most tries in a game by one player achieved at Clifton Lane against Birmingham Solihull in the 2001-2002 season.

This was a scintillating display from Jim McKay's side who look as if they have all the ammunition they need to mount a credible challenge to Harlequins for this season's title.

The 2,200 strong crowd, gathered at their new Kenwyn Stadium, were stunned into silence early in the game when Chris Hala'Ufia powered over from close range, aided by Neil Cochrane, after the Titans had camped in the home half for a sustained period.

His opening score on 12 minutes gave the Titans an early 5-0 lead and, for a moment, promised to upset the local's afternoon. However, within six minutes the hosts had drawn level with the first of Welding's quintet of tries.

A poor penalty clearance kick from in front of the posts fell into the arms of Welding on the right flank - and he needed no invitation to make his mark make on the game - he brushed aside the attentions of on-rushing tacklers to score in the right-hand corner. Barlow landed the difficult touchline conversion out wide to make the score 7-5.

On 25 minutes Welding scored his second try going over in the same corner after the Titans defence had been sucked in by a sharp Pirates' attack. His try was unconverted.

Mike Whitehead reduced the deficit on 28 minutes with a well-taken penalty following a scrum infringement about 40 yards out before Welding completed his hat-trick on 34 minutes.

Pressure on the Titans' backs, brought about a snatched clearance kick from a charge down, which sliced into the arms of Welding who, just as he did before, saw off the drifting defence - again in the right-hand corner - to claim his fifth try of the season.

It was a sickening blow, made worse by the previous lapse and the one soon to follow in the second half. Barlow's conversion gave the Pirates a 19-8 half-time lead.

The fourth try came soon after the re-start, a poorly defended line-out just outside the Titans' 22 led to a try from first phase ball on 42 minutes as Welding scorched through a gaping hole in defence.

Fullback Wes Davies went over for try number five on 51 minutes after good build-up work; someone else was getting into the act!

On 56 minutes, Matt Jess dribbled the ball over the try line from about 40 yards out down the left flank, the ball bouncing in all directions, past three defenders - all of which failed to clear the ball - before he touched down in the left corner.

The final Pirates' try came on 70 minutes, scored by Welding following some neat approach work, converted by Barlow.

The Titans battled back for the remainder of the half creating a number of openings of their own, their efforts were eventually rewarded in injury-time when Tom Allen went over from short range out wide in the left corner. Mike Whitehead's missed conversion kick brought the game to a close.

Ironically, the Titans' defence performed quite well for most of the game. The backs had their pacey opponents well in their sights, however, inexperience showed when the young backs were put under pressure. They snatched at clearing their lines when they needed cool heads.

What appears to be a greater issue is the apparent ease with which Titans' own lineout ball was given up. Too many times today they worked themselves into good positions only to lose their own lineout putting themselves onto the back foot.

The scrum worked well and caused problems for the hosts and set up the first try. All six front-rowers used had good games, new boy Nigel Conroy looked competent and alert.

Dave Strettle put in a tireless performance, regularly switching wing as he looked for work. Chris Hala'Ufia stood out in today's performance, his solid tackling and aggressive ball carries made him man of the match.

If Bester's Boys needed any reminding about the quality of opposition in this league, then the Cornish Pirates served up a timely reminder. If they can build on the lessons of this game, then the 680-mile round trip will have been worthwhile.

Man of the Match:
Chris Hala'Ufia.

Earth Titans:
Errie Claasens; Dave Strettle, Tom Allen, Lee Blackett (Capt., Lodewyk Strauss 67), Anthony Carter; Mike Whitehead, Joe Bedford (Morné Jonker 76); Jarleth Carey (Jon Golding 58), Neil Hanna (Nigel Conroy 51), John Rawson (Adam Hopcroft 40); Louis McGowan, Gareth McComb (Nathan Pike 62); Scott Donald, Neil Cochrane, Chris Hala'Ufia (Hendré Fourie 72).

Titans Scorers:
Chris Hala'Ufia (1T), Tom Allen (1T), Mike Whitehead (1P).

Cornish Pirates:
Wes Davies; Richard Welding, Duncan Roke (Kevin James 54), Shaun James, Matt Jess; Ton Barlow, Gavin Cattle; Alan Paver, Peter Ince (Nick Makin 54, Villi Ma'Asi 74), Nick Adams (Dan Seal 54), Will James, Joe Beardshaw, Joe Bearman (Capt.), Sam Betty, Tim Cowley (Matt Evans 72).

Pirates Scorers:
Richard Welding (5T), Wes Davies (1T), Matt Jess (1T), Tom Barlow (4C).

Referee:
Tim Beddow (RFU).

Other Weekend Results:
Bedford Blues 34-13 Sedgley Park
Coventry 30-14 Otley
Doncaster 17-23 Exeter Chiefs
NEC Harlequins 52-13 Newbury
London Welsh 24-15 Pertemps Bees
Plymouth Albion 23-22 Nottingham