CHINGFORD maintained their perfect start to the season but their victory over Civil Service was marred by a terrible tackle which led to Paul Lawson being hospitalised, writes Phil Howell.

Lawson, making his debut, was tackled late and high around the neck by an opposing player, which knocked the Chingford man unconscious.

The ferocious tackle prompted a confrontation between the tackler and Lawson's brother, Mark, and the game was delayed for 30 minutes while three ambulances arrived at Waltham Way to take Lawson to hospital, while the Civil Service player was sent off.

Chingford won a cantankerous contest 30-19 to move into third place in London Division One North.

Speaking afterwards, captain Mathew Hastings, said: "After that horrendous tackle on poor Paul the players were never going to lose this match. We did it for Paul."

The hosts started well, scoring twice within the first four minutes with a Kurt Forward drop goal and a penalty, but the visitors hit back with a converted try to haul them back within a point.

The horror tackle disrupted Chingford's concentration, leading Civil Service to score another try, giving them a six point advantage.

However, the home side soon regrouped and they retook the lead after Forward converted a try, meaning they went in at half-time ahead.

After the restart, Chingford continued to pile on the pressure with a Mark Lawson try and conversion sealing the points.