Yet again Tabard played their hearts out on Saturday to take the lead back from their opponents, but again their luck deserted them and they suffered another disappointing loss.

Tabard started well enough, taking the game to their opponents and mounting the initial attacks through centre Peter Webb. The pressure was rewarded soon enough when Westcombe were penalised for a late tackle, and scrum half Mike Skinner made no mistake with the kick.

Tabard then found that they could do nothing right and, in the next ten minutes, they were virtually helpless as Westcombe were awarded a succession of penalties, two of which were converted by fullback Coates and the third led to a line out which resulted in a try for wing Lewis, which was converted. Tabard were down 13 points to three.

Tabard fought back and a couple of good runs from wing Brendan Higgins were without reward, but the home side then put a penalty into the corner for the line out.

Tabard's flanker, Jon Ions, then touched down for the try after his team's forwards had driven over.

The long conversion just faded wide but just on half time Skinner converted another penalty and Tabard turned round 11 points to 13 down.

Tabard started the second half where they finished the first and put the pressure on Westcombe Park. This time, from a scrum close in, number eight Ron Matthews picked up and drove for the line. Although he was stopped just short, Tabard rucked effectively and flanker Dallas Adams went over for the try, which Skinner converted.

The game then see-sawed, and Westcombe broke through for wing Smith to touch down, which, with the conversion, levelled the scores at 18 points each. Then Tabard's luck ran out. The referee alleged that Tabard's number eight, who was nowhere near the incident, had tripped an opponent and, despite advice to the contrary from both sets of enthusiastic supporters, the yellow card was awarded.

This was the turning point of the game and, although Tabard hung on defiantly, Westcombe went through for a further try for stand off Thomas.

Tabard fought back, but unfortunately Westcombe were allowed to charge a kick for ground down, and their fullback got the luck of the bounce and went in for the final try, which was converted.

An injury time penalty completed Westcombe Park's tally.

TABARD: Drew (Dudley, 30 minutes), James, Williams (Mitchell, 55 minutes), Webb, Higgins, Woodard, Skinner, Bromham, Sharp, Lockwood (Van der Groot, 70 minutes), Sussum, Finnie (Johal, 75 minutes), Ions, Adams and Matthews.

Tabard 18

Westcombe Park 35

National League Three South

*Next week Tabard travel to Barking.