A powerful performance by the Tabard front five was inspirational as Tabard recorded a 25-7 win over Romford and Gidea Park on Saturday.

A powerful performance by the Tabard front five was inspirational as Tabard recorded a 25-7 win over Romford and Gidea Park on Saturday.

After a uneventful start to the game, Tabard began to control the trenches and when Romford’s number 8 was sent to the sinbin, Cam O’Connor touched down for the first try of the game.

Tabard’s scrum began to assert its dominance but, for all their pressure, a penalty was the only reward, kicked by Jack Reilly.

Tabard started the second half on the back foot and, for a moment it looked as though Romford were going to break through but a tremendous break by full back Elliot Hurrell took Tabard within striking range again and another line out drive saw number 8, Scott Stoba, touch down for Tabards second try.

Tabard were now beginning to play much more fluently than of late and with their confidence high they scored again. This time Reilly put in a perfectly weighted kick towards the touchline and wing, Jermaine Ljieh, caught the ball at pace and, with only one man to beat, was able to touch down in the corner for a great try.

With Tabard now running the ball with increasing confidence, the next try came from just inside the Romford half with first prop Bill Lake penetrating the defence and then his twin brother, Wilf hared up the pitch but, as he was pulled down just short, he passed to O’Connor in support who went over for his second and Tabard’s bonus point, try. Reilly added the conversion.

The final quarter of the game settled down to some good rugby from both sides and a try from the Romford full back, Smith, which he converted, brought a glimmer of hope to the Romford supporters but Tabard were not in the mood to concede any more scores and the game ended with Tabard the victors by 25 points to seven.