St Albans will head into this Saturday’s basement battle at Tabard with an air of confidence after scoring four tries in a losing effort against high-flying Chiswick.

Trailing 29-7 in the second half, Brenton Lemiere scored his second try of the afternoon, which was converted by Harry Trude. Then, after Chiswick dotted down again, John Sayers and Fraser Morris crossed the whitewash to narrow the gap.

Their efforts weren’t enough to earn St Albans a losing bonus point, but it showcased the potential in the team, which they will be hoping to display against Tabard.

St Albans had conceded 12 points before finally settling into the game as Chiswick utilised quick hands to move the ball. When they did, however, they were able to put Chiswick on the back foot and, after a sustained period of pressure, in which a penalty sailed wide, Lemiere went over.

Three more tries, two before the break and one shortly after, put Chiswick in control of the game but the Saints showed they can compete with the top teams with a second-half surge.

Lemiere capped off a surge forward with his second and St Albans turned a turnover into a Sayers unconverted try either side of Chiswick’s six score.

The forth, bonus-point try came following a period of attacking play. The Saints’ backs were benefiting from the platform the forwards had created and sent Fraser Morris over the line to cap an outstanding afternoon.

The final whistle went and Chiswick had won 36-24 but a performance similar to this could see St Albans reclaim 10th place in London 2NW and resign Tabard back into the bottom two.