Newton pounces at the death to give Tring a chance of survival

Talisman Tom Newton scored a last-gasp try as TringRugby beat Guernsey 28-27 to keep their National League 3 London & SE survival hopes alive.
Tom Newton was the hero for TringRugby. Picture by Alastair CoweTom Newton was the hero for TringRugby. Picture by Alastair Cowe
Tom Newton was the hero for TringRugby. Picture by Alastair Cowe

The conditions were poor, with a strong wind blowing down the pitch, but this did not stop Newton who accumulated 23 points for Tring including two tries.

Guernsey dominated the scrum, and all three of their tries came from forwards going over from close quarters, as well as a penalty try in similar fashion.

Tring crossed the line first as some good forward play left a gap for Newton after a kick bounced into his hands.

Liam Chennells is recovering after sustaining a nasty injury against GuernseyLiam Chennells is recovering after sustaining a nasty injury against Guernsey
Liam Chennells is recovering after sustaining a nasty injury against Guernsey

Oscar Nicholson got on the score sheet in the second half as the flanker popped up on the wing to cross over in the corner.

The real drama occurred at the very end after Guernsey had scored the last of their tries to take a 27-21 lead and looked to have taken the points – but Tring were not to be denied.

Guernsey were looking to get the ball off the pitch but the ball held up in the wind which allowed Liam Chennells and a Guernsey back to contest the high ball.

Both players came in at pace in the air and collided with an horrific thud. There was much concern as both players remained unconscious, however they are now recovering after a night in hospital with bad injuries.

With just 10 seconds remaining, the referee adjudged that the Guernsey player led with his forearm and he was carted off in ambulance with a yellow card to his name.

From the resulting penalty on the Guernsey 10-yard line, Tring tapped and went. They kept the ball for several tense phases, with the forwards making inroads into the home defence.

Harry Green burst to the line only to be held up agonisingly short, but Newton picked up the ball and twisted over the line to score. He then calmly slotted the resulting conversion to give Tring the win by one point.