Tabard 14 London Nigerians 39 . . .
London Division Two North . . .
Tabard's long season came to an end on Saturday, with yet another defeat.
With both sides already relegated for next season, the game was probably not going to sparkle, but, in the event, both sides scored some good tries.
However, London Nigerians' three-quarters were much more penetrative than Tabard, and this proved to be the undoing of the home side.
Nigerians quickly opened the scoring with a penalty and then their centre carved through the Tabard defence to give the visitors their first try and an 8-0 lead.
The game then settled down, with the Tabard forwards performing with distinction in the tight scrums, but Nigerians made better use of less possession and they added another try.
Tabard then got one back when centre Richard Woodard intercepted close to his own line and ran virtually the length of the pitch, before passing to wing Dan Ashcroft, in support. Stand-off Jack Reilly converted.
Unfortunately, deep into first-half injury time, Nigerians went over again and the sides turned round with Tabard 20-7 adrift.
The second half followed much the same pattern as the first, with Tabard winning good ball but failing to capitalise and Nigerians, using their three-quarters to good effect in the ideal running conditions. Thus, Nigerians went further ahead with three tries.
Tabard still had some fight, however, and centre Michael Thomas ran a short penalty through the defence before feeding Woodard for the score, which Reilly converted.
The hosts had further chances, with Thomas making another scintillating break, but just getting caught, and full-back Daniel Nansoz just missing out after a kick and chase.
Tabard have now gone from National League rugby back to the league where they started in 1987, in the space of four years. With rugby now a professional sport and Tabard devoid of any major sponsors, the next few seasons are going to be tough for the Radlett-based side.
TABARD: Fleuren (Nansoz 60), Beadle, Thomas, Woodard, Ashcroft, Reilly, Karstel, Wilkinson, Baker, Long, O'Connor, Crocker, Troyer, Stoba, O'Connell.
PETER COOK
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