Tabard recover to sink Hemel Hempstead (From Watford Observer)

Tabard fight back to defeat Hemel Hempstead

1:03pm Thursday 27th September 2012 in Sport

Tabard came back from 15 points down to win 31-27 at Hemel Hempstead in London League Two NW.

Playing with the slope Hemel were quickly into their stride and their winger scythed through the Tabard defence after just six minutes for the opening try.

Continued pressure saw the Hemel stand-off Woodard stretch their lead with a penalty but Tabard were beginning to find their feet and were just edging the forward exchanges. However, Hemel extended their lead with another converted try.

Tabard responded within minutes from a lineout near to the Hemel line. The ball was taken cleanly and from the resulting drive flanker Dan Calnan scored in the corner to open their account.

Hemel responded with some pressure of their own but a promising attack broke down when Tabard’s stand-off Jack Reilly intercepted on the Tabard 22 and scored at the other end for a fine individual try which he converted.

After the turnaround Hemel opened the gap with another backs move culminating in winger Buckingham touching down in the corner. However, it was now Tabard’s turn to put the pressure on Hemel and the first reward came with a try for second row Sam Barrow after a passing move.

This was then followed by another Tabard attack which, although halted, the Tabard forwards recycled quickly and drove hard over the line with second row Cam O’Connor claiming the try which Reilly converted.

Tabard completed their scoring when centre Gerry Arasa went through the defensive line after a Tabard lineout and Reilly added the conversion.

The last quarter of the game saw both sides battling hard but Hemel achieved the only breakthrough when Buckingham again went over, following a short penalty. Woodard converted but this still left Hemel short and Tabard held on for a narrow win.

Tabard play Chiswick at their Cobden Hill ground in their next game.