Woodford 23 TABARD 6 – London
2 North
Tabard got
just the start to the new season they did not want when they lost to Woodford
on Saturday by 23 points to 6.
Tabard lost
the game in the
first half when, uncharacteristically they were outplayed up front, with the
scrum not finding the solidarity that was required against a well drilled
opposition. This in turn deprived
Tabard of the possession they needed to play their expansive game. Despite this Tabard opened the scoring with a
long penalty converted by stand off Jack Reilly. Woodford soon replied however in like
fashion from their kicker Levis but another penalty from Reilly put Tabard back
in front.
In the
dying minutes of the half Tabard finally succumbed to the incessant Woodford
pressure conceding two tries in as many minutes. The first came form the Woodford number 8,
Connell, following a line out surge and the second from fullback Levis after a
forward rumble.
In the
second half Tabard played with a lot more composure and enjoyed a period of
supremacy when they attempted to run the ball and spent a lot of time
in Woodford’s half but without success.
Almost against the run of play Woodford stretched their lead with
another penalty from Levis but Tabard were still the better side on the pitch
with Reilly and centre Ed Orchard trying to make the all-important break
through. However, it was all to no avail and just
before the end Woodford’s Connell again scored a try when Woodford penetrated
the Tabard defensive line from deep and this time Levis converted to complete
the scoreline.
Team: Ashcroft, Loversidge-Jenkin, Orchard,
Joubert (Wyatt 65m), Thomas, Riley, Karstel, Vanstone (Visser 33m), Gates,
Davey, Milne, Montague(Fleuren 74m), Farr, Stoba
and Matheson.
Next week
Tabard are again away, this time to newly promoted
Ruislip.