Rugby Union: Tabs edge out Barking

11:26am Friday 7th December 2001

TABARD sneaked a narrow, but well deserved 16-13 victory at what is the traditionally tricky hunting ground of Barking to claim a very welcome two league points.

The visitors exerted complete authority on the game, but, despite breaks by centre Giles Mitchell, it looked as though Tabard would again fail to capitalise on early pressure.

However, Barking were penalised after kicking to touch near the host's line, second row Mike Finnie took the ball, and, with the Tabard forwards driving over the line, flanker Jon Ions claimed the touchdown.

Tabard's domination continued, but on a rare break, Barking, who were playing with the strong wind, were awarded a penalty, and Gilmore converted.

Tabard still looked in control of the match, though, and their tenacity was rewarded with a further try when Mitchell got close, and Ron Matthews picked up and scrambled over the line from the ensuing scrum.

However, with Tabard playing into the wind, Barking always looked dangerous, and with one minute to go in the first half, winger Gregory took the scoring pass to go over.

Tabard's luck looked like it had completely deserted them, when, in the fifth minute of injury time, Gregory found space to go over and give the hosts a 13-10 lead going into the half time break.

Tabard made the perfect start to the second half, scoring a long-range penalty through Michael Skinner to level the scores.

They sealed the victory midway through the half when Skinner slotted a long-range penalty through the posts to clinch the welcome win and perhaps put Tabard's recent run of bad luck behind them.