Two tries by Tabard’s fullback, Max Templeman, were not enough to save Tabard from defeat at the hands of Woodford on Saturday, as the Radlett side went down 22-25.

Although Tabard had their chances they did not convert their pressure into points and, in the end, this was the difference between the two sides.

The game started fairly evenly, probably with Tabard just getting the upper but it was Woodford who took the lead, touching down following a scrum.

Tabard’s reply was instantaneous. A long kick from stand off Jack Reilly was chased by wing Elliot Hurrel, who fielded the ball and made the initial ground before passing to Tmpleman for his first try.

Reilly then put Tabard ahead with a penalty before Templeman got his second try, receiving a pass from Gerry Arasa to touch down. Reilly converted.

The second half was always going to be tough for both sides and the game settled into a fairly even match with Woodford scoring first midway through the half.

Tabard attacked the Woodford line to no avail, although a forward surge went over the line only for the referee to say the ball was held up. Tabard continued the pressure and scored as Tom Davies broke round the side of a forward surge. Reilly slotted the conversion and Tabard were two points ahead.

With eight minutes on the clock, the Woodford wing, Rupert Wood, went over from deep and Tabard were now three points adrift. Tabard attacked hard and, spurning the opportunity to kick for the posts twice, they went for the win but Woodford held on.

This Saturday Tabard at home to Eton Manor, kick-off 3pm.