ETON Manor are bracing themselves for a fierce derby clash against local rivals Chingford this week.

The New Wilderness men began the new year with their ‘most complete performance of the season’ against a strong Ruislip outfit, according to coach Ian Edwards, only to be narrowly pipped in a 7-5 home reverse.

The hosts spurned several penalty opportunities, but coach Mark Cuschieri conjured a moment of magic to break the deadlock. He jinked inside and beat four players before grounding over the tryline.

However, Ruislip hit back with a converted score and Manor couldn’t respond, despite their best efforts.

A similar performance on Saturday could be enough to defeat Chingford, who will be rusty after a long month off. Wanstead began 2009 as they had ended 2008 by keeping up their promotion bid in Essex One with a resounding 42-7 victory over basement boys Writtle Wanderers last week.

The match was perfect preparation for the Herons’ biggest game of the season against leaders Clacton this week.

The local side welcome the table-toppers to their Roding Lane North ground for a game that will go a long way to determining the division’s premier team, as Wanstead trail Clacton by just one point. With that crunch clash on the horizon, Rob Seltzer’s men managed to keep their minds firmly on the task as tries from Jeremy Walmsley, Scott Ross and Ryan Kaye saw them cruise into what proved an unassailable lead at Writtle.

Walmsley went on to grab his hat-trick, while there were further scores from Paul Cristofoli and Anthony Fedele, with Seltzer and Nick Andrews’ kicking adding more points to the total.

Meanwhile, Woodford’s hopes of a late promotion push in London Two North were dashed on Saturday as they were beaten by second-placed Diss at the weekend.

Despite managing to put 20 points past their hosts, they couldn’t stem the flow of points past their backline.

Harlow endured a torrid afternoon at home to local rivals Enfield Ignatians as they were soundly beaten 30-0 in their London Three North East match.

Elsewhere, Upper Clapton threw away a seven-point lead to lose to Maldon 24-12 on Saturday.

Oliver Stokes’ troops had opened up a 12-5 advantage in the first half but a second period collapse ended their hopes of a second league win of the season.

In Essex Two, Loughton enjoyed an impressive 32-23 victory over promotion-chasing Old Cooperians in a result that steered them further away from trouble.

Owen Sayers (2), Jamie Stephenson and winger ‘Thommo’ all got themselves on the scoresheet as Loughton prevailed in a topsy-turvy clash.

In Essex Three, Ongar remain in a relegation scrap as they were beaten 21-3 by Brightlingsea.