WOODFORD hauled themselves into the London One North title race with a dramatic 22-17 victory over local rivals Chingford, in a game that saw the Highams men complete a thrilling late comeback.

Coach Matt Davies has drafted in ten new players to compliment the eight existing members from last season, and the blend of new blood and experienced bodies mixed effectively to take the points at the weekend.

Woodford got off to a flyer, with Michael Ayrton slotting an early penalty. But Chingford roared back with a try from debutant Hayden Tyres – converted by Kurt Forward – to pull them four points in front.

The evenly-matched contest swung back into the hosts’ favour when Wesley Mbewe and Adam Duffy touched down, with the latter’s effort being consolidated with a conversion from Ayrton.

However, the balance of play shifted once again, with the visitors scoring unconverted tries from Ben Jeynes and Tom Child either side of the break to take a two-point lead.

The home side were not done there, though. The team threw caution to the wind in the final quarter of the game and their pressure was eventually rewarded by an excellent drive over the Chingford line.

Ayrton added the extras and Woodford were victorious after a titanic struggle.

The win sees the Highams men leapfrog their rivals into fifth place on ten points, with the Waltham Wayers one place further back.

The pair are just two points behind early leaders Westcliff.

Woodford travel to fourth-placed Staines on Saturday, while Chingford will face another derby match at home to Eton Manor, who were also in action last week.

The team registered their second win of the season, a convincing 28-9 victory over bottom side Welwyn.

Meanwhile, Wanstead were overcome 43-8 by Basildon in their London Three North East encounter.

Elsewhere, Bancroft stormed to an 84-3 win over Maldon, in a result that sees them move up to fourth in Essex One.

After two heavy-scoring games in previous weeks, the pattern continued again.

Despite a shaky start, the Bs soon got into their stride, with Matt Barrett’s try signalling the opening of the floodgates.

Luke Robinson, Henry and Peter Robinson and Barrett all helped themselves to a brace of tries, while Patterson, Silk, Goldsworth and Evans also got on the scoresheet.

Tom Farrow’s boot was fixed between the posts as he added a further 22 points.

Bancroft will face Clacton this week.

Upper Clapton were well-beaten by league leaders Campion, succumbing 97-5.

In Essex Two, Loughton enjoyed an excellent 43-20 win over Runwell Wyverns, while Ongar were defeated 29-17 by Kings Cross Steelers.