TAUNTON Titans have been warned that last weekend’s impressive win over Tonbridge Juddians “will mean very little” if they don’t follow it up at Old Albanians on Saturday.

The Titans are just four points off the top two after beating TJ’s - who were top going into the game - 20-5 at the Towergate Stadium last time out and head coach Tony Yapp has challenged his side to build on that performance.

“There was a buoyant mood at training on Tuesday but we have to make sure we use Saturday’s win as a springboard,” Yapp said.

“We are well aware that teams can have a good win one week but then not back it up.

“You only have to look at the World Cup, where England beat New Zealand in the semi-final and were favourites to beat South Africa in the final but didn’t do so.

“We have to prepare properly, think about the areas we want to attack and be ready to carry out our plans.

“We should be really excited. In recent years, by January we have been a bit off the pace and relying on other teams. This year we have given ourselves a chance.

“Saturday’s result has shown what we are capable of and will give us confidence and belief, but it will mean very little if we don’t perform this weekend.”

Old Albanians ran Taunton close at Hyde Park in October, going down 38-36 and missing a late conversion attempt which would have earned them a draw.

“OAs have had some mixed results and you never know what to expect,” Yapp said.

“I think if we get on top early we can have success but we certainly won’t be taking them lightly.”

Nick Mason sits out the trip having picked up a blow to the head against TJ’s, while Tom Wyatt’s involvement will be limited to 40 minutes under the terms of Taunton’s agreement with Exeter Chiefs. Wyatt played - and scored - for the Exeter Braves against London Irish on Monday night.

Taunton Titans squad to face Old Albanians: 1. Connor Baker; 2. Alex Spurdle; 3. Isaac Dalton; 4. Stuart Persey; 5. Cory Teague; 6. Ben Oliphant-Thompson; 7. Ratu Vakalutukali; 8. Dan Lee; 9. James Tait; 10. Lewis Webb; 11. Oscar Kolowski; 12. Toby East; 13. Tom Wyatt; 14. Jack Arnott; 15. Gary Kingdom. Replacements; Chris Francis, Gary Carpenter, Barrie Chapman, Brett Harvey, Tom Popham.

Elsewhere this weekend, Western Counties (West) leaders Wellington head to Teignmouth while Wiveliscombe host Tiverton in a big game at the bottom.