Thrilling Win for Tring 3's

This was a match for the traditionalists. With the rain pouring down on a dark damp Saturday afternoon at Cow Lane nobody expected this game to carry the excitement it did. With running rugby saved for a brighter day both teams played the conditions extremely well and the crowd thoroughly enjoyed an old school, Northern hemisphere game of rugby in the rain and mud. The match went down to the last minute when Tring had fought back from being 3-22 down. With Gareth Haywood, man of the match leading the way as captain. Tring put together rolling maul after rolling maul in the second half to grab another home win. Tring 3rd team are still unbeaten at home this season. It came down to the last minute and Tring playing with two scrum halfs, a flanker and a hooker in the back line showed why the team is such a pleasure to be involved with. Mike Stranders finally picked the ball up from the back of a ruck 5 meters out after a prolonged period of play in the opposition 22. With Nick Game having gone of injured and no known goal kicker in the team it was down to the kicker to put the ball through the posts to secure the win. Thomas Burrows stepped up, playing in only his 4th game of rugby ever and took it on. Just to the right of the posts, he set up near the 22, with captain and coach shouting at him to move closer he duly did. With the crowd holding their breath, he took his stance over the ball, set him self up, closed his eyes and pumped it straight through the middle of the post to take the score to 23-22. With 2 minutes of play left Weston attacked but Trings defence held strong and they closed out the win when Matt Adams kicked the ball into touch.

In the first half Tring had started well followed by a period of 25 minutes when Weston run riot and their Full back looked as though he would steal the show. They scored four quick fire tries to take a 3-22 lead. Matt Adams scored a try with a few minutes of the first half left and this seemed to build confidence in the team and the ball runners came into play. Jake Reilly making his return after a year out of the game had a great impact and loved running over the opposition. As did the rest of the pack!

This was a fantastic game of rugby and although forward dominated all 17 players, and the squad from Weston deserve praise for putting on a great display. I also have to give thanks to the crowd who turned up in terrible conditions to support the players, it is much appreciated.

Tries were scored by Matt Adams, Mat Hutchin and Mike Stranders. 2 Penalties by Nick Game and the winning conversion by Tom Burrows. What an epic win!!