RELEGATION still looms over Tabard Rugby Union club after their latest reversal, at the hands of Barking in the National league Division Three South, leaves the Cobden Hill side anxiously looking over their shoulder at the chasing pack.

In an error-ridden game, both teams struggled in difficult conditions but Tabard drew first blood after 12 minutes when the forwards produced good ball and fly-half Bassino took a quick drop goal to give the hosts a three point lead.

The game continued in much the same fashion before Barking levelled the game with a penalty after half an hour of moving back and forth between the two halfs. The score stayed this way until half-time with neither team able to mount any significant attack.

Tabard started the second half much the stronger and several forward drives, combined with strong running by the centres, drove them deep into the Barking half where they were rewarded with a penalty, converted by Skinner, for a three point four minutes into the second half.

The game looked as if it was drifting towards a Tabard win until Barking managed a forward drive from which they produced a last-gasp try for the winning points.