Recent clashes against Old Cooperians have provided an unhappy hunting ground for Epping Upper Clapton, but a role reversal on Saturday saw them earn a 36-22 victory.

Bar the odd draw, Clapton have struggled for positive results against Cooperians and were pipped to the title by their rivals last season.

With both sides gaining promotion in the 2015/16 campaign and sitting side by side in the table ahead of kick-off, it was always likely to be a keenly contested clash.

Clapton would ultimately be rewarded for their free-flowing approach, which allowed them to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in the dying moments.

Tries from Harry Barker, Rupert Wood, Connor Reynolds, Liam Rogers, Villy Fineguy and John Gunnell earned the win for Clapton on a topsy-turvy day.

A strong wind dictated play for much of the game and the hosts made the most of their elemental advantage to control the first half.

Epping’s resolute defence stood firm throughout much of what their London Two North East opponents could throw at them, but they still trailed 10-5 at the interval.

Needing to chase the game, Clapton came out with greater attacking impetus and drew level soon after the restart, only for two rapid scores from Cooperians to put them behind again.

All hope of recording a win looked to be fading as they headed into the final ten minutes trailing 22-10.

However, some excellent rugby led to a fine turnaround late in the game as Clapton ran in four tries to secure a winning bonus point.

The result takes Clapton up to fifth in the table, five points behind fourth-place Romford & Gidea Park with two games remaining in the season.

A home meeting with Rochford Hundred awaits Clapton in their next match and they finish the season by entertaining second-placed South Woodham Ferrers.

Victory in both could take them as high as fourth by the time the curtain falls on the season, dependant on Romford’s results in their remaining matches.

Romford face third-place side Cantabrigian on Saturday before ending the campaign at home against Woodford.