The Tabard front five crowned a strong all-round performance with an inspirational try from a lineout drive in the 65th minute proving a key moment in their 31-15 win over Grasshoppers.

Tabard started fast and were rewarded with a penalty kicked by stand off Jack Reilly, after Grasshoppers were penalised for not releasing in the tackle. Reilly then got the away side’s first try, powering through the despairing defence and converted himself afterwards.

Second row Sam Barrow then kicked a further penalty for Tabard before Grasshoppers opened their own account with a penalty from full-back Gilmore. Reilly replied just before the hosts scored a try of their own through flanker McCormack. Just before the break Reilly added another penalty to give Tabard a 19-8 half-time lead.

After the restart Grasshoppers scored again with Tom Woodhouse touching down for the try which Gilmore converted. Just four points separated the teams and whoever scored next looking as though they would take the game. That happened to be Tabard who raced to a try from a lineout 18 metres from Grasshoppers’ line with number eight Paul Fagan the scorer.

This bought the away team some breathing space and centre Tryfan Edwards broke clear for a try under the posts, which Reilly converted to bring up the final score in Tabard’s favour.

Tabard are at home to Hammersmith and Fulham in their next match.