WANSTEAD reclaimed top spot in Essex One after enjoying an emphatic win over erstwhile leaders Clacton at the weekend.

The Herons had slipped off their perch after league organisers docked the team two points for fielding an ineligible player. But they are soaring once more after overcoming an early blip to dispose of Clacton.

The hosts began nervously however, as the away side won two penalties – one of them converted – to take an early lead.

But that merely spurred Wanstead into action, as they quickly drew level with a penalty of their own through captain Rob Seltzer.

Jeremy Walmsley then bundled his way over the try line from close range, and with Seltzer adding the extras, the home team were beginning to pull away.

The game was effectively ended as a contest when Anthony Fedele touched down, while Dan Proctor and Seltzer also recorded tries to cap a superb performance.

The Herons now face local rivals Upper Clapton on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Bancroft continued their late surge for promotion with a thrilling 26-25 win over Maldon.

The Willows outfit trailed for much of the match but they dragged their hosts back time and again, with tries from Adam Capon, Luke Robinson, Joe Warwick and Gavin Bitson, as well as two penalties from the boot of Tom Farrow.

The result sees the side move to within three points of second-placed Clacton with a game in hand, while they will be full of confidence as they prepare to take on Thames this week.

Elsewhere in the division, Ilford Wanderers overcame Writtle Wanderers 13-5, and they will travel to Clacton on Saturday, while Upper Clapton were beaten by Old Brentwoods 36-0.

In Essex Two, Loughton were on the receiving end of a sound beating by Millwall, while in Essex Three, Ongar recorded an excellent win at Phantoms.

A Matt Adcock try sent the Love Lane team on their way, but their hosts pegged them back to take the lead by a point heading into the final two minutes.

But a terrific spell of pressure yielded a penalty, with Pete Hovell displaying nerves of steel to send over the kick and complete the win.

Ongar take on Stanford Le Hope this week, while Loughton will play host to Runwell Wyverns.