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TABARD 25 London Nigerians 18 – League London 2 North West

Tabard scored two excellent tries to put themselves in a strong position against London Nigerians on Saturday but they then faltered and allowed Nigerians back into the game, before finally clinching victory by 25 points to 18.

Tabard were quickly put on the defensive by some positive Nigerians attacking but they kept their opponents out and in virtually their first foray into Nigerians territory they scored a great try. From a line out following a penalty kick fullback Gerry Arasa came into the three-quarter line and burst through only to be stopped by a desperation tackle a metre out. Fortunately omnipresent flanker Ben Matheson was on hand to gather the loose ball and score under the posts giving stand off Jack Reilly an easy conversion. Tabard’s second try was just as exciting. From a scrum in their own half number 8, Scott Stoba picked up at the base and made a massive break upfield before passing to wing Neil Hopcroft, who went over for the try and again Reilly converted.

Nigerians, virtually against the run of play then scored their first try when scrum half Odediran dummied his way through the cover defence and wing Omenai converted. Tabard then restored their lead when second row, Sam Barrow went over after another fine break from Stoba following a 22 metre drop out. Unfortunately, as the half drew to a close, Nigerians kicked a penalty goal and then wing Shelleng was over for an unconverted try which meant that the sides turned round with Tabard just ahead by 19 points to 15.

The second half was a much more dour affair with both sides defending stoutly and giving nothing away. Nigerians were the first to score, midway through the half, with a penalty from Omenai to bring them within a point. This led to some frantic defence by Tabard but once again they kept their composure and two penalty kicks from Reilly saw Tabard home and brought up the final score.

Team: Arasa, Murphy K, Cunningham, Thomas (Roberts 32m), Hopcroft, Reilly, Murphy, Lake (Will), Lake (Wilf), Gough, Barrow, O’Connor, Hall, Matheson and Stoba.