Tabard suffered a 26-20 home defeat to Harpenden at Cobden Hill in their latest London Two North West match.

The hosts were caught napping by Harpenden, who scored two smart tries after only five minutes. Tabard were under the cosh right from the start as the visitors showed a real desire to put the ball through the hand which saw them take an early 12-point advantage.

Tabard began to build momentum with some solid work in the forwards and were next on the scoreboard with a well-taken try by Rhys Lewis, playing on the left wing, which was converted by Harry Gough.

The Tabard scrum was as solid as ever and decisions were going in their favour. The lineout was a different story however and it was from one of these that Harpenden scored next, which fired them into a 19-7 lead.

Tabard kept coming back at Harpenden with some excellent work in the forwards and clever play in particular from Rosenkranz in the back row.

Tabard were awarded a penalty for holding on just before the half-time whistle, which Jack Reilly slotted over to give them hope.

Tabard started the second half with real purpose and were awarded a penalty five metres out and decided to take the scrum. But this was turned over and Tabard were made to pay as the Harpenden winger broke clear and scored their third try of the game after 50 minutes.

Tabard refused to lie down and showed real character in scoring from a successful lineout. This set up the chance for Gerald Arasa to split the Harpenden defence and score a converted try near the posts.

But the hosts could not add to their points tally as they fell to a narrow defeat.

Tabard travel to Hampstead for their next game on Saturday.