Tabard step it up but Hampstead prove too lively
Tabard captain, Dan Calnan - Credit: Archant
Hampstead proved just too lively for Tabard, coming away with a 29-11 win that moves them up to second in London North West Two.
Two penalties from Jack Reilly and a try from Tom King were all the Radlett-based rugby club had to show for their endeavours.
But Tabard certainly stepped up a gear from the last few matches and despite still being hampered by injuries, were only a fraction off the pace.
Hampstead opened the scoring with a penalty on eight minutes but Tabard were soon in front.
Gerald Arasa was unlucky not to break through but good recycling of the ball allowed Reilly to deliver a perfectly weighted chip for King to run on to and score in the corner.
Reilly’s conversion attempt struck the left hand upright but he made no mistake midway through the first period with a penalty from the 22m line.
However, within three minutes Tabard were behind. Hampstead responded instantly by kicking a penalty of their own and they retook the lead with a well-taken try.
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They went further ahead with Tabard reduced to 14.
King was given a yellow card for hands in the ruck in the Hampstead half and after an attack was stopped just short, a quickly taken tap-penalty allowed Hampstead in from 5 metres.
The hosts started the second half full of promise and piled pressure on Hampstead’s line.
Aaron Priscott was unlucky to be stripped of the ball but from the ensuing line out Tabard drove hard at the Hampstead line.
The visitors gave two penalties away as Chris Beadle was stopped just short and must have considered themselves lucky not receive a yellow card for the offences in the red zone.
Reilly’s successful kick took the score to 11–17.
But while Tabard were quickly on the attack again, they were unable to capitalise on their territory.
And when Hampstead managed to switch play to the other end, they were far more clinical.
Their third try came with 10 minutes to go and they secured the bonus point late on.
The defeat leaves Tabard second from bottom and they finish 2015 with a trip to Welwyn on Saturday.
