Tabard edged to a 15-14 home win over Enfield Ignatians in London Two North West on Saturday.

Playing against a much heavier side, Tabard were intent to play an open game, but the chilly conditions meant this was difficult to execute with precision resulting in the final pass often not quite going to hand.

Tabard started brightly, putting pressure on the visitors' line. A moment of great vision from Jack Reilly, who had seen the away defence had come up flat, allowed him to deliver a perfectly weighted kick which was gratefully collected by winger Rhys Lewis for their first try. Reilly’s conversion took the score to 7-0 after 15 minutes.

The hosts worked hard to secure the ball at the restart with a great steal on the ground by man-of-the-match Will James.

Tabard flanker Mark Salteras then took the ball on and was unfortunate not to find Tom King with his pass. The tide then began to turn against Tabard who were penalised for a high tackle in front of the posts. The Enfield kick struck the upright and the ball was cleared to half way.

Tabard were then again on the wrong side of the referee’s decision when he reversed a penalty as Tabard tried to free the ball at a ruck. Enfield kicked for the corner and a catch and drive brought the visitors' first try and took the scores to 7-7.

The second half saw Tabard start well and Salteras showed great tenacity chasing a pass to the Enfield fly-half who threw a forward pass.

Tabard won the ensuing scrum and took play across to the right hand corner. The ball then came back through the hands across to Lewis who outflanked the visitors' defence to score in the corner.

Ten minutes later Tabard had the chance to stretch their lead but Gough’s penalty drifted to the left of the posts.

The visitors took full advantage of more Tabard indiscipline and drove over after a succession of Tabard penalties allowed Enfield to take a 14-12 lead.

The home side showed great resolve though to come back at their opponents who had a man carded for coming in from the side.

Reilly made no mistake with his effort with just minutes remaining. His penalty secured a dramatic win.