Shelford suffer six-point defeat away at Regional 1 South East leaders Westcombe Park

Shelford suffered just their second defeat of the ongoing Regional 1 South East campaign on Saturday.

However, they did not leave league-leading Westcombe Park empty handed as a late try earned them a bonus point in the 25-19 loss.

Both sides had decent spells in possession of the ball during the opening exchanges before the home side broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute with a converted try.

A penalty extended Park’s lead further but Shelford gave themselves some room for optimism heading into the break thanks to a James Adamson try, which Jack Baird was unable to convert. The visitors went on to edge themselves in front in the 49th minute when Tom James forced his way over and Baird was on target with the extras, but a 58th-minute converted try had Park back in the ascendancy at 17-12.

A further try and penalty ensured their victory, but Shelford kept going until the end and they were rewarded in the last minute by a Baird try that he went on to convert.

Third-placed Shelford will aim to bounce back on Saturday (November 5) when they entertain bottom-of-the-table Sidcup.