London North West Three London Nigerians 12 Tabard 32 TABARD continue to breathe down the necks of Harpenden at the top of the table following a convincing win over basement side London Nigerians. The first 15 minutes of the game saw some desperate end-to

London North West Three

London Nigerians 12 Tabard 32

TABARD continue to breathe down the necks of Harpenden at the top of the table following a convincing win over basement side London Nigerians.

The first 15 minutes of the game saw some desperate end-to-end play with both sides demonstrating an early ambition to run the ball at every opportunity.

The first score went the way of the home side with a well worked try under the posts which was converted to give them a 7-0 lead.

Tabard responded with a concerted attack of their own and after a series of forward charges Cameron O'Connor scored their first try which Andy Murphy converted to level the scores.

There followed a further 15 minutes when neither side could sustain any pressure.

The break came for Tabard when Murphy harassed and tackled the Nigerian scrum-half. Paul Settle then took play to the Nigerian line where they scrambled the ball into touch. From the lineout Tabard fed the ball to Gerry Arasa who made a half break before passing to Ben Matheson who then charged through for the try which was again converted by Murphy.

Just minutes into the second half Nigerians scored a second try but the conversion was missed giving Tabard a slender two point lead.

Immediately from the restart Nigerians fumbled the kick off and the ball was immediately seized by Tabard who again went wide with Josh Sio finally feeding Matt Roberts for a try in the corner.

Tabard returned to the attack when a break by Arasa and a strong run by Michael Thomas took them deep into the Nigerians 22. The ball was recycled quickly and fed to O'Connor who was just held up as he ploughed over near the corner.

The visitors maintained their pressure and the next score came when the ball squirted out from a ruck near the Nigerians line. Mitchell Ray snatched up the ball and, spotting a gap in the Nigerians defence, ran in to score a fine opportunist try.

This score seemed to signal the end of any effective Nigerians resistance and a penalty from Murphy further extended the Tabard lead.

The final try came just before the final whistle with Tabard stealing the ball at a Nigerian lineout and mounting a forward drive for the line. With the drive finally halted, the ball was fed wide and swift hands allowed Roberts to score in the corner.

Next week Tabard First XV are playing at Hampstead in the League and kick off is at 2.30 pm.

Tabard: Hopcroft (Ashcroft 40m), Austerberry, Thomas, Matheson, Roberts, Arasa, Murphy, Baker, Mitchell, Gough , Sio, Montague (Hall 70m), O'Connor, Settle, and Stoba.