Woodford under-16s rugby team progressed through to the second round of the Essex Cup at the expense of defending champions Westcliff in bizarre circumstances at the weekend.

After both sides slugged it out in a pulsating 22-22 draw it was assumed that extra-time would follow to determine the victor, but instead the cup rules dictated that in the event of a draw it is the away team that is granted passage through to the next round.

The cup was deprived what would have been a fitting final between arguably the two strongest teams in the competition.

Cameron Dutch laid on Chelsey Fagan for the opening Woodford score, with the former adding the extras.

Westcliff hit back with one of their own but Dutch skipped over for a second score. Another try from the hosts made the scores 12-10 at the break.

Woodford fell behind but hit back when Dutch again fed Ian Bukenya. Paddy Sheehey seemingly put the game out of Westcliff's reach with a try but the scores were levelled late on.

Despite a late push it was Woodford who progressed through.

Elsewhere, Walthamstow Wolves U10s suffered their first defeat of the season against Aldersbrook Green, going down 3-2. Mateen Khelifi and Sonny White grabbed the goals.

The U11s team saw off Valance 6-2, recovering from two goals down, with goals from Amin Benyoucef (2), Derick Hilado (2), Rosharn Roswell and Rio Nelson.

Aldersbrook Blues U9s thrashed Enfield 6-1, with Max Drabwell McIlwaine grabbing hat-trick. Leonardo Stefanoni and Jacob Veitch-Hodges were also on the scoresheet.