Tabard never recovered from a poor first half as they were relegated from London League One North following a 31-5 defeat at Letchworth.

The visitors trailed 24-0 at half time and this proved their downfall as they suffered demotion after just one season in the league.

Tabard’s relegation contrasts starkly with the second team’s performance, who added the Merit Table Cup to the Merit Table title they had already secured. The Seconds romped to a 48-3 cup win over Old Albanians on Saturday.

Tabard women’s team also won their league so the club faced mixed emotions at the end of the season.

In the Letchworth game, the home side played down the slope and were quickly able to put Tabard on the defensive, before taking an early lead with a penalty kicked by centre Smith. Letchworth added three tries, from flanker Johal, stand off Tyrell and prop Glencross, all of which were converted, to give Letchworth a commanding lead.

In the second half, Tabard were not able to capitalise on the slope as much as their opponents. Despite some good attacks and strong scrummaging, their only reward came in the 51st minute when flanker Cam O’Connor touched down after a controlled lineout drive from the forwards.

The game was then an evenly matched affair although Tabard shaded the possession but could not cross the line again. Virtually on full time, Letchworth ran a short penalty and centre Cottenham went over for the final score which Smith converted.

The final whistle brought down the curtain on what has been a difficult season for Tabard where injuries stopped them from reaching their potential.