BERFC 22 - 22 Tabard

A warm and bright September morning, and after two matches on the road, BERFC U16s welcomed Tabard U16s to Byng Road. Tabard are a team that we’ve crossed swords with many times in the past – and we’ve fought some close battles recently.

BERFC kicked off with the breeze on their backs, and the first five minutes were rather scrappy as the forwards fought out the rucks and mauls and the backs seemed to struggle with passing, until with ten minutes gone, a mazy run from the Tabard right winger opened the scoring 0 - 5 .

There seemed to be parity in the forwards, but the Tabard backs gained good ground down their left wing, breaking through on several occasions, but each time coming up against Pav at fullback who put in at least three if not more try saving tackles to stem the Tabard flow and keep BERFC in the game.

The Tabard pressure began to tell, and from a 5 metre scrum their number eight was allowed to run unchallenged and score in the corner – and a very good conversion put Tabard 0 – 12 ahead with 20 minutes gone.

The BERFC forwards then began to get their game together and work as a unit, and were rewarded just before half time when Liam touched down and closed the gap to 5 - 12 at the break.

Four minutes into the second half, BERFC were level as Theo left team mates old and new trailing in his wake to touch down under the posts 12 - 12 .

The next 20 minutes saw chances at both ends – and injuries stack up for both teams, until the Tabard right winger once again weaved his way half the length of the pitch to set up Tabard’s third try in the corner, and two minutes later Tabard crossed again to open up a ten point gap 12 – 22.

With 5 minutes remaining, and with injuries reducing both sides to 14 players, BERFC were back in touch when Liam touched down once again from a well worked set play, 17 - 22 , and with the last play of the game, Harrison crossed in the opposite corner to even the scores 22 – 22 – the final conversion from the touchline beyond Joel’s reach.

The result was hard fought for both sides – which made for an enjoyable game, and was played in good spirit, although both sides could have done without the injuries sustained, with league games due the following Sunday. We wish Tabard well this season in Division 4.

Notable performances from Pav in the first half – who appeared to be all that was between Tabard and a cricket score, and River in the second half for strength, aggression and willingness to take the ball on.