Tabard were beaten 32-26 by rivals Old Haberdashers on Saturday in a game that saw the lead change hands no fewer than six times.

Jack Reilly kicked an early penalty to put Tabard 3-0 up after two minutes, but Haberdashers replied by bursting through the visitors’ defence to score.

With Scott Stoba sin binned, Tabs then conceded a second try, though the conversion was once again missed by the home side.

A second Reilly penalty saw Tabard cut the defecit to four points before yet another Reilly kick paved the way for Nick Woolley to score their first try of the afternoon, turning the game in his side’s favour.

The lead was short-lived though, as Haberdashers touched down for the third time and kicked the extras to go 17-11 ahead, adding their fourth try to take a 22-11 lead into the break.

However, the pendulum soon swung back in Tabard’s favour after the restart as Reilly barged his way through the line to score. He was unable to convert his own score though, leaving the game posed at 22-16.

Skipper Sam Barrow then crashed over just to the right of the posts and although Reilly was unable to convert the try, Tabs had pulled within a point of their hosts.

A second yellow card issued against Tabard allowed Haberdashers to score a penalty right in front of the posts with ease, putting breathing space between the two sides.

But, despite their numerical disadvantage, Tabard came roaring back and Reilly showed great awareness to touch down and hand his side the lead once more.

However there was a sting in the tail and Haberdashers claimed the win with a late converted try to finally kill off the Tabard challenge.

Tabs did however claim two bonus points in defeat ahead of tomorrow’s (Saturday’s) tussle with Hemel Hempstead.