Raiders slip to second after narrow defeat at Tring
ON GRAND NATIONAL day, Raiders were not at the races.
In their hunt for the London & South-East Premier title, Guernsey fell short in a game that was there for the taking away to third-placed side Tring, who emerged 22-17 winners.
The Raiders pack were dominant, but the home side continually repelled their visitors with dogged defence and it was the hosts who opened the scoring with an unconverted try from their pacy winger on 35min.
However, Raiders were ahead before half-time as their forwards eventually got their rewards with a penalty try.
Tring quickly regained the lead early in the second half and they extended their lead when capitalising on a Raiders fumble to make it 19-7.
Guernsey responded through a Sam Steventon catch-and-drive try, which was converted by Owen Thomas who then added a penalty to narrow the gap to two points.
However, Tring replied with a penalty of their own and, although Guernsey had late chances to snatch the game, ill discipline inside the Tring 22 cost them dearly.
Raiders go into the final round of the season one point behind leaders Barnes with bottom-side Towcestrians visiting Footes Lane.
