Tabard lost 24-17 at Hitchin in the first round of the Herts Tankard on Saturday.

The first score was to Tabard by Sam Barrow following a penalty against Hitchin for being caught offside in midfield. The ball was driven over the Hitchin line with the try going to Wilf Lake.

Hitchin scored next, picking up a loose kick for their winger to break the Tabard defence and find his way to the line. The conversion made the score 7-5 to the hosts.

But the visitors took advantage of a penalty when a pass released inside centre Nick Wooley to score under the posts.

A quick tap penalty by Hitchin enabled them to punish Tabard as they crossed the line.

The conversion handed them a narrow lead but Gerald Arasa ran from the halfway line to score and give the away side a slender lead.

However the hosts struck before the break with their winger crossing the line to give them a 21-17 advantage at half-time.

The second half saw few scoring chances being created by either side, but Hitchin kicked a further three points while a series of injuries reduced Tabard to 14 men for much of the second period.

Tabard continued to press for a converted try to tie but could not find the final touch as they slipped to defeat at Hitchin.

The London Two North West season starts tomorrow (Saturday) with Tabard at home to Chiswick.

Tag rugby training for Tabard Minis, which is for players from the age of six, starts this Sunday at 10am at their home ground in Radlett.