London League Two North West Finchley 16 Tabard 28 TABARD were down to 14 men after four minutes on Saturday as their centre was red carded but they raised their game, especially in the first half, to finally defeat a robust Finchley side by 28 points to

London League Two North West

Finchley 16 Tabard 28

TABARD were down to 14 men after four minutes on Saturday as their centre was red carded but they raised their game, especially in the first half, to finally defeat a robust Finchley side by 28 points to 16.

Tabard also had to put up with Finchley permanently killing the ball, almost without reprimand.

But they kept their game together with good performances from stand off, Jack Reilly, who survived being completely taken out after a kick ahead, which was unseen by the referee. Centre Kieran Murphy also showed flair throughout, while second row Darren Kidd controlled the line out, especially in the second half when Finchley were attacking Tabard forcefully.

The game was always going to be a tough one and, after the red card, Finchley converted a penalty, kicked by stand off Webb, after Tabard were penalised for offside.

The game then settled into a dogged affair but after 12 minutes Tabard went on the board with a superb try from Murphy.

Taking the ball on the half way line he handed off three Finchley defenders on his way to the line for the score which Reilly converted.

Reilly then added two further penalties, one from virtually his own half, to put Tabard 13 points to three ahead.

Tabard then had another great try, this time the ball was passed quickly out from the top of a lineout and Thomas made the ground in the centre before passing to wing Matty Roberts, for the score, which Reilly converted with a great long distance attempt.

Just before half time Finchley scored a try of their own.

From a scrum close in the scrum half fed number eight Briden for the score which was given even though the scoring pass looked a long way forward.

After the break, Tabard quickly scored again, this time from a lineout drive with Kidd claiming the touchdown.

Finchley quickly replied with a try by scrum half Fraser when he ran the ball from a short penalty.

The game then settled into a hard affair with Finchley showing determination and spirit and Tabard defending like demons.

Midway through the half Finchley were rewarded with another penalty from Webb and then, virtually at the close, Reilly added another penalty to bring up the final score of 28 points to 16 and also take Reilly over the 100 points for the season.

Next week Tabard are at home to Hammersmith and Fulham, kick off 2.15 pm at their Cobden Hill, Radlett, home.

Tabard: Ashcroft, Roberts, Murphy, Taylor-Davies, Woodhead, Reilly, Murphy, Collette, O'Neill, Lake, Kidd, Calnan, Hall, Thomas, Stoba.

Other Result: Tabard 2nd XV 7 Fullerians 28.