Ben Thomas kicked 17 points as Eton Manor recorded a 31-20 home victory over Letchworth on Saturday.

Aware of the significance of a win to stay in touch with the battle for the second play-off position, Manor began well.

Following a number of infringements by Letchworth, Thomas stepped up to put the ball between the posts and edge his side ahead after 11 minutes.

Manor were in the ascendency as they found themselves quicker to every ball and making opportunity after opportunity.

Having won a scrum the home team made good yardage and were stopped just short of the line.

The subsequent scrum was more successful as Garth Tucker picked up and was an unstoppable force as he powered over the line for Manor’s first try of the game.

Thomas added the conversion to give his team a 10-0 lead, although they did concede a penalty five minutes before half-time.

The hosts were forced on to the back foot after the break as Letchworth turned over the ball and laid siege to Manor’s line.

A series of penalties given away by the home side eventually saw a yellow card given to Manor’s captain Tryson Goodchild.

With Manor having a man short in the pack, Letchworth opted for a scrum and scored a pushover try.

The conversion was missed but Manor only held a narrow 10-8 lead.

However, Manor held firm and as the forwards broke clear, Chris Jones had the pace to get over in the corner for the home team’s second try half way through the second half.

Thomas made no mistake with the conversion and Manor extended their lead to 17-8 despite being a man down.

Pressing home their advantage, Thomas picked an exquisite line to beat his would-be tackle to go in under the posts and added the conversion to increase the lead and step up their search for a bonus point.

Letchworth continued to press and were rewarded when Manor were opened up and a converted try was scored.

However, Manor were not finished and Tucker scored his second try, with Thomas adding the extras to wrap up the win for the hosts.