A slow start which turned into an excellent performance allowed Tabard an exciting 26-22 victory against North Walsham in the London One North League.

Tabard got off to a poor start as North Walsham managed an unconverted try almost directly from kick-off. Winger Serruys outflanked the Tabard defence and scored in the opening minutes.

Tabard came back into the game with two penalties, both of which were kicked by centre Jack Reilly, before North Walsham regained their lead with another try courtesy of Oakes.

The number eight touched down from a disrupted scrum that was again unconverted for a 10-6 lead going into half-time.

In a polar opposite to the first half, Tabard started strongly and managed to score early on after half-time. Pressure on the Walsham line was rewarded when Reilly kicked through and winger Scott Clewlow followed up to score a well taken try.

Tabard maintained pressure through the early stages of the half, but conceded a breakaway score to reinstate North Walsham as leaders with the score at 15-11.

However, Tabard kept the pressure on and managed to steal the lead in this unpredictable match. Number eight Aaron Pristcott crowned an excellent performance with a try, forcing his way through a despairing defence. Reilly added the two points afterwards.

Jo Jacobs then extended the lead with Pristcott playing a large role in the build-up. The number eight gathered the ball and committed the defence before setting up Jacobs to cross the line.

Walsham managed to cut the lead to one point with three minutes remaining from a converted try but in the closing seconds, Tabard secured a penalty that was kicked to ensure they would collect the points. Tabard currently find themselves closer to the bottom of the table than they’d like, but the win against Walsham could potentially galvanise the rest of their season, starting this weekend as they travel to fourth-placed Colchester.