Tring open the season with a fantastic win at Havant

Following last years slow start to the season Head Coach Jon Lamden reacted by planning an intensive program for the 2011 pre-season preparation. The move paid dividends as Tring blew away the home team with their much superior fitness, intensity and team work.

Having been delayed on their coach journey by huge congestion on the M25 it was understandable that Tring might start a little slowly and, indeed, Havant took an early lead through a penalty. This setback gave Tring a jolt and they responded extremely well by mounting a period of extreme pressure on the Havant defensive line. Eventually Tring got their just reward when Chris Rose crashed over from close range. There had been some doubt about Chris's participation in this game given the sad news earlier this week that his father Malcolm - a former player, current fixture secretary and all round club legend -had been taken seriously ill with Leukemia. However consultation with friends and family lead Chris to the conclusion that his father would want him to play. Chris's response was magnificent. Playing like a man possessed he scored two more tries to complete a first half hat-trick. In between Tom Newton scored with a typical flash of genius. After fluffing his first attempt Liam Chennells was kicking with Wilkinsonesque efficiency landing three conversions and a penalty to leave Tring 3-29 ahead. A lapse of concentration allowed Havant to snatch a converted try just before the break.

Some sharp words from Coach Lambden at half-time restored Tring's focus and, as the home opposition tired, the Cow Lane outfit began to dominate the match. Further tries followed from Tom Warren, Dave Shotton, Sam Clapham, Liam Chennells and Sean Jarrold with all of them being converted by Chennells to complete a personal points tally of 24. Shotton's try caused particular pleasure. John Preston had already crossed the opposition line but paused to give big Shotton a birthday try in front of his watching family - an act typical of Tring's amazing team spirit.

It was also particularly pleasing for the club to see Mini and Junior Section products Ben Criddle and Tom Metcalfe perform superbly on their league debuts. Ultimately, however, there was only one Man of the Match with Chris Rose taking the plaundits for an immense performance despite playing under huge emotional pressure.

This amazing result leaves Tring top of National League 3. However Jon Lambden was quick to point out that there are harder days ahead starting with a tough home game against Ampthill next Saturday. However, Trings travelling support was happy to celebrate the victory by drinking Havant Rugby Club's entire supply of Bombadier Bitter!