Tabard suffered disappointment with the last kick of the game in their thrilling 38-36 home defeat to Old Haberdashers in London 2 North West on Saturday.

The hosts made a dominant start as they raced into a 19-0 lead. But Habs could have struck first only for a try to be ruled out for a forward pass.

The opening score came when Tabard’s number eight Aaron Priscott collected the ball around the halfway line. He sprinted through the defence and crossed the line at the midway point of the half.

Tabs increased their lead when Jack Reilly passed to Jonny Agulla and he went over in the corner for their second try. Reilly added the conversion which made it 12-0.

It got even better for the home side when Gerald Arasa chipped the ball through and Reilly finished neatly for the converted try.

But Habs responded strongly and replied with two well-taken tries. The half ended promisingly for Tabard though when the visitors were penalised for stopping the drive and a penalty try was awarded. This secured the try bonus-point and a 26-14 lead at half time.

The hosts carried on from where they left off after the restart.

The ball was driven on by Arasa and recycled to Bill Lake to score in the corner. This made it 31-14 and put Tabard in a commanding position.

Habs fought back with a well executed effort before a penalty try moved them to within three points of their opponents.

But Tabard restored their advantage when flanker Liam Kenny grounded the ball for the tenth try of the contest.

However the visitors were not finished and drove over the line to move within one point with just eight minutes remaining.

But it was a cruel end to the game for Tabard as a late penalty snatched the victory for Haberdashers as they took the lead for the first time in the end-to-end clash.