Harpenden’s chances of promotion took another dent on Saturday as they registered their second successive loss in London Two North West.

After last week’s shock loss to St Albans, Harpenden missed out on another four points as they were beaten 25-20 by Tabard at Redbourn Lane.

Automatic promotion now, seemingly, looks impossible as Harrow have a 13-point cushion at the top. Harpenden are still in the race for second place, though. Chiswick, Hammersmith and Fulham and Harpenden are separated by just four points with six games remaining.

Harpenden will have to find a way to get clean ball to their dangerous backs if they are to get their promotion charge back on track, starting on Saturday at Staines.

There is little doubt the Matt Davies’ side has the personnel to turn things around; they showed that in their first try when quick hands sent Joe Tennant over. Aaron Wilde converted to level the scores at 7-7.

Tabard’s former Saracens star Gerald Arasa won a penalty, which was converted, to put his side back in front. Another penalty and a converted try from Jonny Aguila stretched the lead to 13 points and have Harpenden a mountain to climb.

Wilde reduced arrears with a penalty and Harpenden were looking dangerous. But, Cameron O’Connor provided the dagger in the hosts’ hearts as he slipped a couple of tackles to score what turned out to be the winning try.

Harpenden showed the kind of resolve that will serve them well in the run-in when Pete Simms went over after good forward play. Wilde added the extras and then another three points to set up a tense finish, but Tabard held on to win their seventh game of the season.