AFTER last week's humbling defeat at the hands of Bishop's Stortford, a change in tack was in order at the Slade.

Instead of the normal Thursday night training sessions, messrs Pete Dankert and Steve Farr took the team off for a game of ten-pin bowling and a bite to eat at Frankie and Benny's.

It worked wonders, as TJs turned Staines over, winning 50-17.

"It was a much better performance and the defensive line was much improved," Farr said.

"We'd done a bit of work on it in the week and made the decision on Thursday night to take them ten-pin bowling and along to Frankie and Benny's afterwards. It certainly worked a treat.

"The thing is we've been training non-stop since July. We're in the middle of a dark, cold winter and it just broke it up a bit.

"We produced much better individual games and the team performance was up 25 per cent."

TJs fans were certainly bowled over by the improvement in their side's game on Saturday.

After falling behind to an early penalty, they came roaring back and led 24-3 at half time. A push over from the forwards and tries from Brent Hamlin and Farmer pulled the hosts clear. Skipper Charlie Harding – who incidentally won the ten-pin bowling – was in great form with the boot, kicking three conversions and a penalty.

Staines had a sniff when giant lock forward Harrison crossed the line for their first try, which Wells converted, but TJs responded immediately. Prop forward Jimmy Stanford burrowed his way over the line for the try. Harding converted to take the score to TJs 31 Staines 10.

TJs continued to dominate and after a further 10 minutes they scored again when Nabbs touched down after a very effective driving maul. This time the conversion attempt was unsuccessful.

More was to come. Staines' defenders were caught offside with TJs threatening their line. The penalty was taken very quickly and centre Child took the pass that enabled him to dive through for a try which Harding converted.

The visitors hit back with a push-over try, which Wells converted, but it was no more than a consolation and it was TJs who had the last laugh. Tabrett and Farmer exchanged passes, with the latter going over. Harding, once more, converted with an excellent kick from the touchline.

Weather permitting, TJs travel to Tring tomorrow afternoon.

"It's going to be a difficult place to go to," Farr said. "They have a small pitch and are difficult to play against over there, but we've got to win it. I'm confident we will."