NATIONAL THREE SOUTH Rosslyn Park 21 Barking 18 by CHRIS RICHARDS BARKING slipped to a narrow defeat at promotion-chasing Rosslyn Park despite a stirring second-half fightback. Trailing 13-3 at the break, tries from Marcus Bloomberg, Edward Ambrose and L

NATIONAL THREE SOUTH

Rosslyn Park 21

Barking 18

by CHRIS RICHARDS

BARKING slipped to a narrow defeat at promotion-chasing Rosslyn Park despite a stirring second-half fightback.

Trailing 13-3 at the break, tries from Marcus Bloomberg, Edward Ambrose and Luke Greatrex put the Goresbrook outfit within touching distance of their London rivals.

But sadly, time ran out for the Essex side, who must instead console themselves with yet another losing bonus point on the road.

Director of coaching Alex Codling made just a single change to the side which defeated Havant, with skipper James Kellard returning from international duty at the expense of Tim Collier.

The home side were first on the score-sheet courtesy of a sixth minute penalty from stand-off Rhys Gosling.

The former Redruth outside half extended his side's lead with a second penalty goal soon after, as Park started to take control of the game.

Three points from the boot of Barking fly-half Craig Ratford pegged Florent Rossigneaux's men back.

It proved to be Ratford's last contribution of the afternoon, as shortly after he was stretchered off the field with a suspected dislocated hip.

Things quickly went from bad to worse for the Goresbrook outfit when flanker Martyn Anayi went over for his side's first try.

Gosling added the extras to give the Wandsworth club a useful 13-point advantage at the halfway point.

A third penalty from the boot of Gosling put Park further in front early in the second period.

The Barking fightback began when replacement hooker Bloomberg crashed over for his fourth try of the season.

Winger David Riley sniped over to steady the ship for Park.

Codling's men refused to give up and received a boost when replacement prop Eddie Ambrose barged over on 79 minutes.

With seconds remaining scrum-half Luke Greatrex darted over to snatch a consolation bonus point for his side.

Barking are next in action against London Scottish at Goresbrook on Saturday.

Barking: Jenkins, Jones, Wardingley, Flannery, Shaw, Ratford, Gash, Rate, Kwasnicki, Hunter, Lloyd-Jones, Kruis, Etheredge, Kellard, Andrews.

Replacements: E Ambrose, Bloomberg, Newberry, Greatrex, Morris.