The tackle comes too late as Tabard's Dan Ashcroft scores between the posts (Photo by Keith Dobney)

ON a blustery January afternoon, Datchworth put in a dogged and gutsy performance in the Herts Presidents’ Tankard at home against Tabard but fell short losing 19-5.

Tabard, who play one league above the Greens, made the short trip across the county and started the brighter down the slope.

Datchworth defended well and fought hard in the loose to keep the game ebbing and flowing throughout.

However the pressure told after about 25 minutes, Tabard’s backs working a loop move to score near the posts, which was then duly converted.

Tabard followed up five minutes later with a forwards try - a long driving maul took Tabard over the whitewash.

Going into half-time, Datchworth fumbled fielding a kick near their 22 metre line and Tabard’s centre, Mike Thomas in hot pursuit, kicked ahead.

Wing Dan Ashcroft chased up and claimed the touchdown - Tabard taking a 19 points to nil lead at half-time.

Datchworth came out firing on all cylinders in the second half and soon scored a deserved try.

Centre Sam Brunton intercepted a wild pass and ran in a try from the half-way line to pull the hosts back into the game.

However, despite some sustained pressure in the second half Datchworth couldn’t make the breakthrough and the visitors ended up progressing to the Herts Presidents’ Tankard semi-final.

It was a much improved performance by the Greens however which they will take heart from as they move towards the business end of the season.