Norwich 31 Tabard 20

Jewsons National League 2 South

Tabard's unbeaten run came to an end on Saturday when they went down at Norwich.

For Tabard it was a frustrating game as they never hit their stride against a very good Norwich side.

Although Tabard's forwards worked hard, gaining some reward for their endeavours, the East Anglians' powerful running and sound defence granted them victory.

Norwich caught Tabard cold in the first quarter, notching up a penalty, followed by a try, when their centre broke through cover and touched down under the posts.

Tabard responded, working their way upfield for a line out close in.

Second row Richard Malone took the ball and Tabard's forwards drove for the line.

They were thwarted by Norwich who pulled the maul down. From the penalty Tabard kicked for touch, again, won the ensuing line out, this time through Colin Bickle and again drove for the line.

As Norwich repreated the infringement, the referee had no option other than giving the penalty try, which stand-off Nick Churchman converted.

Norwich went further ahead, however, with a try from their other centre after a lucky bounce from a wild pass and then a penalty.

Though Churchman pulled a penalty back to leave Tabard ten points adrift at half-time.

An exchange of penalties kept the difference the same until midway through the half, when a front line out peel put Norwich ahead with a converted try.

From the kick-off Tabard pressuried Norwich and Churchman was able to charge down a clearance kick.

He pursued, kicked ahead and was over the line for a great try, which he converted.

Now Tabard took the game to their opponents with good attacks coming from wingers Jamie Dickinson and Ian McMullan.

And hooker Mark Sharp was clear but the final pass was adjudged as forward.

As Tabard faltered in injury time a further Norwich penalty completed the scoring.

Next week, Tabard take on Redruth at the Cobden Hill ground, Radlett.

TABARD: Hewson, McMullan, Pinnock (Luders 40mins), Morete, Dickinson, Churchman, Skinner (Andrews 65mins), Nolan, Sharp, Singh, Malone, Bickle, Williams (Cripps 60mins), Hanson.

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