Tring arrived at Sidcup on Saturday unchanged from their outstanding win against Havant the previous week. A result that took them to five league victories in a row.

The wind and the sloped pitch would prove important as Sidcup used the elements to pin Tring in their own 22m early in the game. The sustained pressure would eventually yield penalties for the home side, who kicked to the corner, scoring two tries through subsequent driving mauls after 23 minutes. An overthrown line out deep in Tring’s 22m would see Sidcup score, extending their lead to 21-0 late in the first half before a mammoth defensive effort and outstanding scrummaging from the Tring front row meant that it would be all to play for in the second half.

The second half began with early Sidcup possession leading to two kickable penalties for the opposition’s No. 10, taking the score to 27-0 after 44 minutes. However, with the elements now on their side, Tring mounted their comeback just moments later and after some excellent phase play and ball carrying from captain Olley O’Gorman and the forward pack, the Sidcup defence was broken as Dan Wilton crashed over for a close range try. It wouldn’t be long before Tring scored again, this time utilising the backline. After fast hands from the centres, Rory Hardman showed excellent strength and speed to score in the corner. With a difficult conversion missed, the score stood at 27-12 after 55 minutes.

The pressure didn’t let up from the visitors and just 3 minutes later, Tring scored again through winger Ted Stanford after a well-judged pass from Ben Criddle. Three excellent penalty kicks in the following 10 minutes from fullback Ben Hogan gave Tring the lead at 28-27, an outstanding comeback. However, it would be Sidcup who had the final say, after the hosts’ first real possession of the half, the referee awarded a penalty within the Tring 22m. With the final kick of the game, the Sidcup fly half gave his side the victory with a successful penalty goal.