Pump Technology Sponsored Tadley 1st XV made the long trip down to Sherbourne RFC with different looking side that had beaten Oldfield Old Boys at home the previous week.

Again the sun was shining as Tadley took to the field and the away team made a solid start. Some hard running from Alex Pike and Ed Smith in the three quarters gave Tadley the platform needed and retained possession for the first Quarter of the game. Good pressure and a superbly placed kick by Chris Dennison gave winger Gavin Dampies the first score of the game under the posts and Chris Dennison added the conversion.

Sherbourne showed that they were not to be out done and scored a very similar try in the right hand corner to the delight of the home support.

Tadley were determined that they would dominate in the contact areas. They gained particular advantage in the scrum. This along with some excellent defending by the three quarters lead to Sherbourne having little time on the ball and allowed a turn over from a tackle and the familiar site of Gavin Dampies running over half the length of the pitch to score under the post calmed the nerves of the Tadley supporters. Chris Dennison again adding the conversation eased Tadley ahead.

The remaining 15 minutes of the half become a little scrappy with both sides making errors. A brief lapse in concentration from Tadley allowed the home team to cross the try line again in the right hand corner. This again went unconverted and made the half time score 10-14.

Tadley responded well and using a well worked move from a lineout the font five punched into the Sherbourne half with some strong running from Colin Summers and Rob Lowe. The ball was then moved with Darren Staley breaking tackles and off loading to Rob Murray who scored. It is nice see that Darren Staley does know how to pass!

Sherbourne then began their most sustained period of pressure of the game. They spent what seems like an age in the Tadley 22 hammering the try line. Tadley showed real resolve during this period with some excellent close defensive work by the pack and the managed to keep the home team out.

Sherbourne were able to score a further try in the last few minutes but the final kick if the match was a penalty by Chris Dennison leaving the final score 20-27.

The team were very appreciative for all those who made the long drive down to Sherbourne to support the team you could be heard over the Sherbourne masses.

Tadley are very pleased to record their first away league victory for 18 months and are really looking forward to hosting North Dorset this Saturday at Red Lane 3pm KO. Come along and support the Red Lane boys.

Man of the Match- Rob Lowe (for his scrummaging and a fantastic game in the loose).

Team - Mike Keeley, Tom Wood, Rob Lowe, Mark Tucker, Mark Vatcher, Colin Summers, Darren Staley, Rob Murray, Tom Bailey, Chris Dennison, Gareth Cripps, Alex Pike, Ed Smith, Toby Smith, Gavin Dampies and Paul Collins.