Harpenden defeat Tabard to take derby glory
London Three North West Tabard 8 Harpenden 40 TABARD suffered their first defeat of the season on Saturday as Harpenden continued their winning run to take top spot in the league. Centre Barton scored a penalty for Harpenden after good work in the ruck
London Three North West
Tabard 8 Harpenden 40
TABARD suffered their first defeat of the season on Saturday as Harpenden continued their winning run to take top spot in the league.
Centre Barton scored a penalty for Harpenden after good work in the ruck by MacDonald. Tabard centres Joe Cunningham and Kyle Van Deventer attempted to force their way through but to no avail.
Harpenden notched the first try when a chip from Nick Childs bounced favourably for winger Tom Muskett to charge over under the posts and Barton converted.
Tabard narrowed the gap when stand off Jack Reilly kicked a penalty after Harpenden had infringed offside. Tabs took the game to Harpenden and were rewarded with a good try when scrum half Andy Murphy forced his way through to touch down in the corner. The conversion just missed and Harpenden extended their lead to 13-8 at half time with a penalty from Barton.
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After the break, the Harpenden pack began to take hold of the game. Dan Tennant and Will Peck carried well and winger Pattison outflanked the Tabard defence to score, following a good Harpenden move, early in the second half. Barton kicked the conversion.
Tabard responded and some good driving runs from second rows Cam O'Connor and Josh Sio almost forced an opening.
Barton got the next score for Harpenden as he broke the defensive line and crashed in under the posts, adding the conversion to boost their lead. Barton also struck two more penalties as Harpenden began to take control.
In the last minute, Tabard pressure broke down when the ball was intercepted by Pattison who had the pace to run the length of the field for the try which Barton converted to secure the 40-8 victory for Harpenden.
Tabard: Ashcroft, Beadle, Van Deventer, Cunningham, Thomas, Reilly, Murphy, Gough, Ray, Baker, Sio, O'Connor, Calnan (Montagu 58), Matheson, Stoba.
Harpenden: Peck, D. Tennant, MacDonald, Settle, Harmer, Adams, Read, Arrowsmith, Homan, J. Tennant, Pattison, J. Barton, Childs, Muskett, A. Barton. Subs: Bunn, Wilkinson, Speirs.
Tabard play London Nigerians on Saturday, kick off 2.30pm at their Cobden Hill, Radlett, ground. Harpenden face Imperial Medicals on Saturday. The match is at Redbourn Lane and kicks off at 3pm. The bar will be open and support is always welcome.
On Sunday Tabard Colts won their first game in the National Knockout Cup with a 46-5 success against Datchworth. Tries from Meaney (two), Lewis, Calnan, Francis (two) and Crocker crowned a sparkling display with Barrow converting three and kicking a penalty and Lewis converting one.
