Tabard gave a masterful display of controlled Rugby on Saturday to overcome Old Patesians, scoring three good tries in the process.
The control was evident in the second half when Tabard were playing against the strong wind, and they not only defended superbly but added to their first half tally of 10 points.
Tabard started the game fast and kept the pressure on Patesians, but their was no reward for the early pressure. Although flanker Jag Johal touched down for a well taken try, the referee had spotted an infringement and the try did not count.
Patesians then got into the game and opened the scoring with a short range penalty, kicked by Nunn. Tabard's scrum half Michael Skinner replied with a penalty from the halfway line to keep Tabard in the hunt.
The game was then evenly balanced all the way until, in the 39th minute, Patesians took a short 22metre drop out and ran out of defence.
As they passed the ball out Tabard's stand off Richard Woodard intercepted and ran in for the try, which Skinner converted to bring the half time score to 10 points to three in Tabard's favour.
In the second half Patesians quickly pulled three points back with another penalty. However, Tabard were looking a confident side and, despite the wind, put pressure on Patesians.
From a scrum close in, number eight Ron Matthews picked up at the base and Tabard then rucked the ball successfully twice, culminating in wing Ben James going over for the try.
This was an excellent period for Tabard, and they played some good rugby, especially going forward, with centre Louis Botha and wing Brendon Higgins both looking dangerous.
Botha got his reward halfway through the final quarter with a try after Tabard had re-cycled good scrum ball and Skinner added the conversion.
Although Tabard had defended well throughout, their resilience was really put to the test and Patesians threw everything into the attack.
The Tabard defence was strong until the final minute of the game when Patesians were awarded a penalty try after Tabard were penalised for bringing the maul down.
The try was converted, but it was too late and Tabard had two deserved league points.
TABARD: Drew (Telling, 70minutes), Higgins, Williams, Botha, James, Woodard, Skinner, Lockwood, Sharp, Bromham, Finnie (Simpson, 75minutes), Sussum, Johal (Mitchell, 30minutes), Ions and Matthews.
Tabard 22
Old Patesians 13
National League Three South
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