JUNIOR RUGBY

Chingford 14
Woodford 13
(Essex U16s Cup) CHINGFORD, a basement club facing relegation, enjoyed a last-gasp win over Woodford, champions of the Essex U16s Junior Rugby League.

Gaze Junior won the toss for Chingford who made a spiralling start that asked questions immediately of Woodford as they surged forward with a succession of big hits.

The Highams men, however, scored first having been gifted a penalty by Chingford right in front of the posts and their three-point lead became eight with an unconverted try, just before half time, from a well-worked lineout.

After the break, the pattern of play continued with Woodford winning much of the ball in the loose play but their backs were unable to press any advantage home as the Chingford defence had Woodford mishandling and throwing away good possession.

The pressure finally got to the Highams men and after a succession of repeated fouls on their own try line, with warnings from the referee, a penalty try was given.

Joe Gaze kicked the conversion and Chingford's deficit was cut to one point at 8-7.

A late tackle led to a Chingford back being sin-binned. Woodford pressed hard and took full advantage.

Fifteen metres out, Woodford took the ball and drove forward with perfection going over the line for a touchdown.

Even without the conversion, Woodford led 13-7 and there was only five minutes left to play.

Chingford were down but far from out. A quick ball from three quarters saw Alex Pollock take the ball at pace, sprint forward and touch down right under the posts.

Gaze kicked the conversion and Chingford swept into a 14-13 lead, with only two minutes to go. They held on and the trophy was theirs.

The man of the match was Dion Chapman of Chingford.