CHINGFORD made the most of a first-half following wind to earn just enough points to squeeze past Stevenage Town in London One North on Saturday.

Duncan Hayward’s trusty boot saw the conversion of three penalties from the four that Chingford won, and they were supplemented by a try in the corner from Dan Savagar – his first for the team – following good work from Luke Campbell and Neil Starling.

Hayward made no mistake from the difficult conversion attempt and at the turnaround the Waltham Wayers led 16-0.

The sizeable margin was protected only by a last-ditch tackle from Ryan Pask that saved a certain try; a challenge that would prove vital come the final whistle.

But it came at a cost, Pask dislocating his shoulder in the tackle to rule him out of the action.

Predictably, the wind gave Stevenage the advantage in the second half, and Chingford were forced to weather a fierce storm.

A penalty and a pushover try was followed by another penalty and Stevenage were soon just a converted score away from victory.

But Chingford clung on for the points, with director of rugby Steve Slowik paying tribute to Pask’s vital tackle afterwards. “The last-ditch tackle by Ryan Pask proved to be a match winner but the injury is cruel luck on him,” he said.

“We have a very difficult match against fourth-placed Colchester next week and desperately need some players to return from injury.”

Meanwhile, Woodford put up a brave fight before succumbing to Colchester in a high-scoring contest at their Highams home.

The visitors prevailed 38-25, but not before Woodford had given their opponents a scare.

The team remain in mid-table ahead of Saturday’s trip to Old Colfeians.

Eton Manor are just one point above bottom-of-the-table Stevenage after their latest defeat, as they were swept aside by runaway league leaders Westcliff 34-5.

Ruislip are next on the slate for the New Wilderness men.

In London Three North East, Bancroft were on the receiving end of a hefty 35-12 defeat at Wymondham.

The result leaves the Bs four points above rock-bottom Wisbech on 17 points.

They will be keen to raise their game this week when they entertain local rivals Wanstead, who head in to the derby full of confidence following a 38-12 victory over Mersea Island.

The win gives the team an outside shot at a play-off place, as they currently reside in fifth spot.

In Essex Two, Upper Clapton’s dominance shows no sign of abating as they brushed aside rivals Ilford Wanderers 40-12 to maintain their place at the top of the league.