Director of rugby Brett Taylor has warned his London Scottish men they are there to be shot at having emerged as challengers in chief to favourites Esher for the National One title.

The Exiles held off a late assault at Newbury on Saturday to claim a 26-23 triumph and extend their winning run to nine matches.

The result leaves them six points behind their Molesey Road rivals at the league summit as they bid to secure a second successive promotion and elevation to the Championship.

Scottish have become accustomed to winning comfortably as they have risen up the league ranks, but have been run close in every game - with the exception of a 93-0 triumph over lowly Manchester - this season.

And Taylor reckons Saturday’s narrow win was a clear sign their rivals will look to be the team to end their long unbeaten run.

“The run of nine wins and the fact we are second means people will want to play against us,” he said.

“Newbury were very physical, very passionate, and very energised about the game.

“But we dealt with the conditions and some of the decisions really well, and kept their cool.

“The patience and belief in the defence, especially in the last two minutes, showed real character.”

Winger David Howells scored his eighth try of the season - adding to earlier scores from Rory Damant and Gary Trueman - to give Scottish a 20-10 advantage early in the second-half.

But the hosts fought back to level the scores before two penalties from the boot of Frankie Neale - who took his season’s points tally to 180 - ultimately made the game safe.

London Scottish’s next three games: Dec 12 Tynedale (h), 19 Blackheath (a), Jan 2 Cambridge (h).