Barnes top after Tring shock Guernsey

London & South East Premier

BARNES moved to the top of the table with just one round of fixtures remaining, following a 29-5 away win at bottom club Towcestrians.

They rose to the summit of the division after

Guernsey suffered a narrow 22-17 loss away at third-placed Tring.

The former league leaders had led 7-5 at the break after a penalty try outweighed Sam Barnes’ unconverted opener for the hosts.

Quickfire tries early in the second half from Jake Olley and Zak Michalski, converted by Tom Newton, then put Tring 19-7 up before Sam Steventon's converted score narrowed the gap to five points.

Thomas and Newton then exchanged penalties before Guernsey launched a late assault on the Tring 22, but the hosts held out.

Fourth-placed Hertford had a less tense afternoon, as they ran out comfortable 40-12 winners at home to Westcliff.

The hosts scored six tries with Josh Corcoran, Christopher Joyce, Richard Streets, James Kinsley, Sean Taylor and Jack Mitchell all crossing the whitewash.

Taylor completed Hertford’s tally with five conversions while Jack Jones and Sebastien Reynolds scored for Westcliff. Tunbridge Wells look set to finish fifth after they fought back to secure a narrow 24-21 win against Guildford.

Frank Reynolds give the hosts an early 3-0 lead before tries from Bradley Smith and Oliver Millward along with a penalty try put Guildford 21-3 ahead at the interval.

After the restart, Brothers Nick and Mike Doherty crossed to bring Wells within touch before captain Ryan Taylor-Dennehy scored a dramatic winning try.

Relegation-bound Southend Saxons looked like they might cause another shock, but Westcombe Park fought back to win 41-25.

Tries from James Lindfield, Brad Saffery, Ed Durkin, Dan Hamilton, Dave Bonner and Scott Pursell ensured the hosts overturned their 18-10 half-time deficit.

Elsewhere, Sidcup were shock 41-22 winners away at Dorking, while

Shelford were 49-31 winners away at Sutton and Epsom.