CROWTHORNE RFC put in a brave performance but were beaten 28-17 at home by Tadley Tigers in their BB&O clash at The New Nest.

The in-form Crows went into the contest on the back of a three-match winning run – and seven victories from eight games – and coach Alex Stewart made just one change to the side which had thrashed Slough the weak before, restoring James Bailey at fly half in place of Josh Roberts.

The home side made an excellent start to the game against a side which had won a dour contest 7-0 earlier in the season, using the hill to their advantage and dominating all aspects of play.

Crowthorne’s early pressure gave them an early shot at goal from a penalty just outside the Tadley 22, and although that was not converted, the hosts opened their account shortly afterwards.

Rhys Carnie carried strongly through the Tadley midfield and his deft offload to George Watson allowed the second row to crash over the try line.

Doug Charman added the conversion to put the hosts 7-0 in front.

Crowthorne continued to control proceedings and they moved further in front as their powerful pack won a scrum against the head, allowing Bailey to put a deft chip in behind the Tadley defence which was fumbled.

Wing James Huckle took advantage to continue his fine scoring run and when Charman was again successful from the tee, Crowthorne found themselves 14-0 to the good.

However, the visitors fought their way back into the game and reduced the deficit thanks to a Chris Dennison penalty and a well-worked Tom Bartlett try which was subsequently converted.

This sparked Crowthorne back into life and they extended their lead before the break as the reliable boot of Charman stroked over another penalty to put his side 17-10 up at the interval.

Unfortunately for the home side, their fitness levels began to cost them during the second period, with Tadley initially trimming the deficit with another Dennison penalty.

The visitors then added a second try through Bartlett and another Dennison penalty put them 21-17 in front, before wing James Hutchins crossed the whitewash for a converted score which sealed victory against a Crowthorne side for whom Jake Mollett proved an influential figure.

The result leaves Crowthorne in fifth place in the table, an excellent effort following their promotion from the BB&O Championship at the end of last season.

Crowthorne face another difficult trip this coming Saturday, when they travel to fourth-placed Abingdon.

The Oxfordshire side edged to a 12-10 win at the New Nest earlier this season, but were stunned 32-10 at Chipping Norton on Saturday.