CHINGFORD'S bid for promotion from London One North suffered a blow when they were defeated 18-8 by fellow hopefuls Sidcup.

In a low-scoring contest it was the hosts that held the edge, with a sole Chris Kells try and a penalty from Duncan Hayward the only scores on the day for the Waltham Wayers.

The loss leaves them in third place, seven points adrift of runaway leaders Westcliff and one point back from Colchester in second spot.

A home clash against Bury St Edmunds is next on the slate for Chingford.

There was better news for Eton Manor, meanwhile, as they kept in touch with the rest of the division with a nail-biting 16-15 win at home to Tabard.

The New Wilderness men remain second-bottom of the table but, crucially, their latest win has hauled them level on points with Brentwood and just one behind three other sides.

Manor travel to face Thurrock this weekend.

Woodford are one of those teams, having slumped to their second consecutive defeat at the hands of Bury St Edmunds on Saturday.

The 33-13 loss means the Highams outfit have been sucked in to the scrap developing at the foot of the table.

Next up is a home clash against Letchowrth Garden City.

Meanwhile, in London Three North East, Bancroft eased their fears of relegation with a morale-boosting 13-0 win over Upminster.

Each team virtually cancelled eachother out during the first half, although the Bs did manage to get their noses in front just before the break when Alex Silk crossed the line for an unconverted try.

Adam Capon's penalty added further breathing space, while the second period almost mirrored the first.

After an even exchange Francois Nel put the game out of Upminster's reach deep in to the game, with Bancroft now sitting eighth out of the 12 competing teams.

Wanstead were also winners at the weekend, their narrow 20-18 win over South Woodham Ferrers keeping them very much in the hunt for promotion.

The team sit fourth, just five points off leaders Newmarket, who suffered a surprise defeat to Wanstead's scheduled opponents on Saturday, Wisbech.

Elsewhere, the derby encounter between Upper Clapton and Ongar in Essex Two was postponed.