WOODFORD were involved in another humdinger of a local derby at the weekend, as they slugged it out with Eton Manor for a share of the spoils in an 11-11 draw.

At their New Wilderness home, Manor would have been eager to avenge the narrow 8-5 defeat to Woodford back in September.

They could not manage to take maximum points from the encounter but the team more than played their part in an entertaining spectacle, with the points being shared so that both clubs remain in mid-table of London One North.

Both sides ran in unconverted tries and there were two penalties apiece as the 80 minutes failed to separate the teams.

Mike Lawlor, operating in an unfamiliar role as Woodford’s inside centre, demonstrated his adaptability by crashing over for the visitors’ try, while Ben Lloyd’s trusty boot accounted for the team’s two penalty conversions.

Woodford host league leaders Staines on Saturday, looking for revenge after their 25-15 defeat earlier on in the season. Eton Manor will be involved in another derby when Chingford make the short trip.

Elsewhere, Wanstead were outshone by South Woodham Ferrers, going down 17-8 in their London Three North East clash. The Herons travel to frontrunners Beccles on Saturday.

There were no matches for local teams in Essex One, although Bancroft travel to face Old Brentwoods this week and Ilford Wanderers make the trip to Clacton.

The only other local team in action at the weekend was Ongar, who were narrowly edged out by Burnham-on-Crouch, 5-3 the final score. They host Phantoms this week.

Loughton play their first game in three weeks when they visit high-flying Brightlingsea.