Woodford suffered another heavy defeat at the hands of high-flying Luton who eased to a 64-5 win in London One North.

The return of influential captain Tim Saull wasn’t enough to change the fortunes of Woodford, who are now three points adrift at the bottom of the table.

The home side started on the front foot, piling the pressure on Luton, and their impressive period of possession paid dividends soon after.

Hooker Pat Camm caught the Luton defence off guard with a quick lineout to assist Pete Hyett for the opening try of the game.

Despite Cameron Dutch’s failure to add the conversion, Woodford exuded confidence and led 5-0.

However, Luton responded well to going behind and quickly took control of proceedings.

Continuous ill discipline from Woodford saw their young centre Ashley Somers sent to the sin-bin, allowing Luton to stamp their authority on the game and run in a number of emphatic tries.

Despite some promising possession and Alex Silk’s trademark run, which saw him stopped just short of the try line, Woodford’s spirited effort was all in vain as Luton cruised to a comfortable win.

Woodford will hope that playing at the home of Premiership leaders Saracens, Allianz Park, can inspire them to a much-needed win against Letchworth on Saturday.

There was a better result for Woodford Under-15s, who beat Romford & Gidea Park 34-10 away from home in a friendly.

The visitors took the lead after 12 minutes when Alex Marks set off James Chance before Haaris Sohoye passed to Dan Farrelly, who powered his way over the line for an opening try. Marks added the conversion.

Sohoye turned from provider to scorer just before half-time as his jinky run allowed to to put down a second score, giving Woodford a 12-0 lead at the break.

With several Woodford changes made at the interval, Romford reduced the deficit with a try early in the second period but the away side restored their advantage as Marks overlapped for a try in the corner.

It was one-way traffic thereafter and Sohoye scored his second of the game with a counter-attacking try.

Romford made it 22-10 with a second score in the 52nd minute but further tries from man-of-the-match Mick Chamberlain and Jamie Ali, after a dazzling run, confirmed a comfortable win.