London Two North Tabard 14 Tring 25 TABARD performed well against Tring on Saturday, leading twice before succumbing to defeat at Cobden Hill. The Radlett side impressed against a side chasing the title and will take confidence into future fixtures. Trin

London Two North

Tabard 14 Tring 25

TABARD performed well against Tring on Saturday, leading twice before succumbing to defeat at Cobden Hill.

The Radlett side impressed against a side chasing the title and will take confidence into future fixtures.

Tring converted a penalty after two minutes and additional attacking forays were only foiled by a solid Tabard defence in the opening 10 minutes. Tabard's robust defence also meant that they were not afraid to run the ball from their own half and it was from such a run that wing Neil Hopcroft took Tabs very close to the Tring line. A scrum infringement handed Tabs a free kick and centre Richard Woodard found full back Tom Smith to speed over for the score which Jack Reilly converted.

Tring replied before half time with a score from centre Newton to gain a one point lead at the break.

The second half again saw both sides playing good rugby, with the Tabard backs showing they had the skill to put a lot of pressure on their opponents. Again reward came Tabard's way when the Tring defence was just enough out of line to give Reilly a chance to weave his way through and score a fine solo try which he converted to put Tabard ahead again.

Tring fought back and a good period of rugby brought them reward with a try from full back Holgate which Newton converted to put Tring one point ahead. Tabard's luck ran out again when full back Smith was yellow carded for a deliberate knock-on, even though the ball had come from his shoulder.

With Tabard a crucial player down, Tring took advantage and a forward push took them over the line for hooker Wallis to claim the score.

Tabard then fought back but without reward and then, with the final kick of the game, Newton converted another penalty to make the final score 25-14.

The teams were due to meet this weekend in the Herts President's Cup at Tring but, with Tabard unable to field a side due to injuries, the score from the league clash will stand as the cup result.

Tabard: Smith, Roberts, Thomas, Woodard, Hopcroft, Reilly, Karstel, Baker, Gates (Wilkinson 45), Davey, Montague, Gill, Wyatt (Gough 60), Matheson, Stoba.