Shock as the Lions topple early leaders

BARNES’ early reign as league leaders was ended at The Gables where

Westcliff pulled off a surprising 13-12 win with tries by Sam Brown and Jack Jones, who also kicked a crucial penalty.

Guernsey take over at the top, beating Sidcup 17-38 at Crescent Farm.

Barnes now drop back to third as Tring, with a bonus-point 16-32 win away at Southend Saxons, move into second spot.

Saxons are still looking for not only their first win but their first points.

They have not even had a losing bonus point to show for their efforts.

Try scorers for Tring were Jake Olly (2), Jack Flanagan, Ben Criddle and Sam Barnes, who also crossed for two. Olly also slotted a conversion while George Wood and Bert Radzevicius dotted down for the home side to add to

two first-half penalties from Tom Ramsey.

Hertford keep up the pressure at the top end of the table with a 41-22 win at home to Sutton and Epsom.

There was a hat-trick for Michael Allen with Jack Mitchell, Aaron Lowe, Ben Creasey and Sean Taylor, who also kicked three conversions, over for one each.

Alex Mount, Ryann Bruce and Jordan Turton (2) were try scorers for the visitors, with Jacob Knight successful with one conversion.

Dorking got the better of Towcestrians, who are still searching for their first win of the season. It finished 45-5 at The Big Field.

James Albury went in for two tries, followed by Jonny Ellis, Cameron Pimlow, Olly Rathbone, Zac Woodcock and Finn Osborne, who crossed for one each, Matt Noble landing five conversions. Tunbridge Wells recorded their fourth win of the campaign since promotion last season, beating Westcombe Park 31-15 at St Mark’s.

The home side opened with a penalty try and crossed for four more tries from Hayden Pengelly, Mac Popham, Nick Doherty and Matt Spicer, with Frank Reynolds striking three conversions.

In the final game of the round, Guildford took the try bonus point after defeating Shelford 34-8 at Broadwater.