Tabard were forced to work hard for their 36-21 win at rivals Welwyn in London League North West Two.

The visitors were helped by fly-half Jack Reilly who returned from injury to score 16 points.

Tabard started the game more slowly than usual and after a brief flurry they found themselves back in their own half.

An infringement enabled Welwyn to take the lead with a penalty from centre Lynch.

This galvanised Tabard into action and from a lineout drive close in, they passed the ball out and Reilly opened their scoring with a well-taken try which he then converted.

The game then settled down with both sides having some good chances before Welwyn took the lead with a try from flanker Picken, following a kick through Tabard’s defensive cover.

Just before half-time, a smart lineout move brought Tabard their second try.

The ball was thrown from the lineout and flanker Jamie Philson took the ball, coming round the front, and fed prop Bill Lake for the try which Reilly converted to bring the score to 14-8 to Tabard at the break.

After the break Welwyn quickly drew level with two penalties from Lynch before Tabard scored again.

This time they went through the phases and, eventually, the Welwyn defence was caught flat footed and centre Scott Stoba raced through for the try which Reilly converted.

Tabard scored again just after, this time from open play, when Reilly made the initial yards before feeding centre Tryfan Edwards [pictured] for the score which was converted.

Welwyn kept their interest up with another try from hooker Williams, when they ran a short penalty close to the Tabard line, with Lynch converting. Then, with time running out, Reilly kicked a penalty for Tabard before Lake went over for his second try of the game just before the final whistle.

Tabard are away to Chiswick this weekend.