Tabard started strongly against league leaders Westcliff on Saturday but, despite a good game of rugby, they could not keep their opponents out and ended up losing 32-17.

From the kick-off Tabard were in the Westcliff half and looked the better side, keeping the pressure on their opponents until the first score came nine minutes into the game. A lineout close in was cleanly won by Tabard and, from the ensuing line out drive, they went over with No. 8, Scott Stoba claiming the touchdown. Stand off Jack Reilly added the extras.

Westcliff then started to play more cohesively and some good rugby ensued before the visitors were penalised for offside and Reilly kicked the three points to put Tabard 10-0 up.

Westcliff started to build momentum and their centre, Reynolds, found a way through close in to a ruck and he sprinted clear to touch down under the posts, giving fullback Angus an easy conversion.

As the half drew to a close, Angus added two more penalties so the sides turned round with Westcliff ahead 13-10.

The second half started at a fast pace and Westcliff scored quickly when the ball was passed wide and centre Elliot was over for the try which Angus converted.

Tabard quickly responded with possibly the best try of the match. Attacking from deep full back Elliot Hurrell made the initial ground, wing Johnny Aguila carried the move on before passing inside to Reilly who fed second row, Sam Barrow, who used his weight to force his way through the defence for a try, which Reilly converted.

After this initial spate of action, the game settled down as both teams played good rugby but, unfortunately for Tabard, the further scores all went to Westcliff with tries from Elliot and prop Binneman, with one conversion to bring up the final tally of Westcliff 32 Tabard 17.

Next week Tabard are at home again to Luton, kick off 3pm.

Team: Elliot Hurrell, Jermaine Ijieh, Joe Calnan, Gerald Arasa, John Aguila, Jack Reilly, Liam Kenny, Bill Lake, Jamie Hancock, Jack Girdlestone, Sam Barrow, Jo Jacobs, Cam O’Connor, Scot Stoba and Aaron Pristcott. Replacements: Wilf Lake, Shane Austin and Dan Calnan.