Eton Manor sit second in the table after a hard-fought 19-13 victory over Old Haberdashers on Saturday

Manor took an early advantage after Michael Eghan chased a long kick and reached it first thanks to his blistering pace. He collected the ball cleanly and ran in the first try of the day. Ben Thomas converted to put the home side 7-0 up within five minutes.

Old Habs then got their first points on the board after good work by their forwards in the scrum led to a penalty, which was duly converted by the visitors’ kicker.

Eghan thought he was away again, but play was brought back, with the referee deeming the final pass to the rapid winger as a forward one.

Manor felt a bit of pressure and gave away another penalty within kicking range which was taken calmly to put the away side just one point behind.

Minutes later it was Manor who had the opportunity from a penalty and Thomas, who converted earlier, managed to steer the ball through the posts to put the hosts 10-6 up.

Thomas then struck again before the interval with another penalty after good work by Eghan and others chasing down a long punt.

Habs were immediately on the front foot at the start of the second half and were able to score a converted try to level the match at 13-13.

Thomas then had another chance to score from another penalty, which was conceded due to a backline offside from the visitors. Thomas put Manor 16-13 ahead with his third penalty of the day.

Manor put more pressure on Habs which resulted in another penalty which was duly dispatched by Thomas after an infringement at a ruck.

The hosts were able to hold on for the victory, showing real grit to grind out the win.