Eton Manor recorded a comprehensive 48-0 victory over Romford & Gidea Park to close the gap on leaders Westcliff in London One North.

Manor are second in the division and seven points off the top after Westcliff’s loss to Chingford on Saturday.

Much of the first half was an arm wrestle between the two packs and in a swirling wind, both team’s kickers struggled to convert any opportunities.

The deadlock was finally broken on 35 minutes when the ball reached outside centre and despite the presence of Max Murray the pass was made and sharply intercepted for a well-deserved try.

The conversion was one of many that Ben Thomas struggled to convert due to the challenging conditions.

Following a series of good drives from the restart, flanker Kevin Reed rounded off an excellent first-half performance with a lightning break to run in 20 metres for a fine second try for his side.

The try was converted by Thomas before the break.

Romford started brightly in the second period but some exceptional tackling from centre Alex Hunter stifled the opponents’ efforts and as frustration boiled over, Romford were reduced to 14 men.

Manor kicked down the line and from a good catch and drive at the lineout the backs were released, resulting in a deserved try for Hunter.

After the restart a break by scrum-half Reece Reed brought a try for number eight Garth Tucker and Thomas added the conversion.

After a second yellow for Romford, Tucker was once again involved in scoring the next try that came following some patient phase play and the chase of a kick up field.

Carl Miller’s steal at a lineout allowed winger Steven Ross to score in the corner before a penalty try and Alfie Hutcherson rounded off an impressive afternoon’s work.