A DIFFICULT tie at runaway league leaders Penzance was transformed into an almost impossible task as Tabard made the long trip south west with only 15 players, eventually going down to a crushing 76-11 defeat.

To make matters worse, Penzance were at full strength, and, on a day suited to running rugby, the Pirates' Fijian, Tongan and New Zealand influences were a different class, with a heavy defeat for Tabard on the cards from kick-off.

However, the threadbare Tabard squad performed with credit for the whole 80 minutes, salvaging pride from a match, which, given the circumstances, they were never really in with a shout of winning.

For a full match report, don't miss this week's issue of the St Albans Observer.