Fullerians enjoyed a memorable opening to 2016 as they narrowly overcame London Two North West leaders Old Haberdashers 10-8 on Saturday.

Simon Lye scored Fullers’ only try of the game, and they held on by the skin of their teeth as Old Haberdashers saw a conversion to level the scores hit the post with the final kick of the match.

The hard-fought victory sees Fullers move to within two points of Haberdashers in second place in the table.

Fullers started well and a string of well-worked set pieces saw them trouble their table-topping hosts on multiple occasions.

They were unable to convert their supremacy into points though, as their execution of the final pass repeatedly let them down.

Such profligacy would be punished as Old Habs took the lead with a penalty from in front of the posts.

Fullers hit back in impressive fashion though, and their scrum again played an important role as number eight Lye broke away, beat two men and powered over in the corner.

Dan Evans added the extras with a superb kick from the most acute of angles to ensure Fullers would take a 7-3 lead into the interval.

The second half proved to be one of attrition rather than flair as both sides searched for a foothold in the heavyweight clash.

Craig Duncan landed what would prove to be a decisive three points after more fantastic work from Lye had earned a penalty in front of the posts.

With time running out, and Old Haberdashers attacking in relentless waves, Fullers suffered a potentially fatal setback as scrum-half Tom Sherriff was sin-binned.

A man down, and facing a barrage of attacks, they held out until the final play of the game as Habs went over in the corner.

The game was now out of Fullers’ hands and a successful conversion would have resulted in a draw. However, Fullers were not to be denied as the difficult angle saw the attempt rebound back off the post.

Elsewhere, bottom-of-the-table Tabard put in a gallant performance against third-placed Hammersmith and Fulham but ultimately lost 15-10.

Tabard had in fact held their high-flying opponents until the half-an-hour mark and but for the yellow card awarded to Toby Davies may have done so for longer.

Hammersmith made the most of their numerical advantage as they first converted a penalty before some intricate attacking play allowed their full-back to go over.

A missed conversion followed, but Hammersmith were now enjoying themselves and scored a second try under the posts shortly before half-time.

It had been a devastating period of play and there was no let up after the restart, but Tabard’s defence stood firm to prevent the home side from scoring again.

With their full compliment of players now back on the field, Tabard grew into the game and some fine work in the scrum saw Liam Kenny bundle over for a try.

Two more points came from the conversion and Tabard, smelling the chance of an upset, pushed forward.

A penalty with 15 minutes remaining ensured a close conclusion to the keenly-contested match, but Tabard could not quite complete the turnaround.