Tring 46
Eton Manor 8
(London Two North)

ETON Manor did a lot to flatter the title-chasers as they slumped to defeat.

The New Wilderness men, who secured 25-13 win over Tring in September, went into the game confident that they could give the hosts another tough match. And it was in fact the visitors, who raced into an early lead thanks to a drop goal from John Cruddace.

Tring hit back in a positive fashion with a penalty, that coupled with two tries, one of which was converted gave them a 17-3 lead at the break.

The hosts also added a converted try and a penalty after the restart to put them 27-3 up.

Manor refused to roll over and number eight Sap Misa made a game of it with a try on 50 minutes.

The visitors continued to press, but couldn't find a way through and with 15 minutes left they suffered a blow when Cruddace was forced off injured.

With all their replacements on the pitch, Manor were down to 14 men, and Tring made the most of their numerical advantage to run in a further 19 points to give them a somewhat flattering looking 46-8 victory. Reflecting on the result coach Ged White said: "I was disappointed with the final score, because the late flurry of points they scored added a bit of gloss for them.

"We always knew it was going to be a difficult game though, because they aren't top of the table for no reason.

"We also knew they would be determined to beat us after our victory against them earlier in the season and so it proved in the end."