WANSTEAD have put themselves in prime position to take the Essex One league title after a stunning win over local rivals and promotion challengers Bancroft.

The Herons are now locked on 28 points with Campion at the top of the table, and they will head into this week’s clash with Thames knowing that a victory would sew up the championship.

The local side can boast a better points difference than the second-placed side, although if they were to lose and Campion were to win, Wanstead would have to settle for a play-off against another regional team to determine whether they are promoted or not.

Bancroft’s chances of promotion would have been greatly enhanced with a win at the weekend, but they will have to try again next season, despite a spirited late surge this year.

The Bs kept it tight for the first quarter of the game, before Wanstead shifted up a gear and were able to run in three tries leading up to half-time.

Tom Farrow’s penalty slightly reduced the arrears early on in a much-improved second half, but the Herons stood firm and were able to hold on for the all-important win.

Wanstead will be hoping to celebrate their coronation as division champions after their game against Thames next week, while Bancroft will travel to Ilford Wanderers for their final match.

Elsewhere, Chingford continued their strong finish to the season with an impressive 15-9 win over Staines in London Two North.

John Paine’s try cancelled out an early penalty for the visitors, and the hosts soon started to gain a stranglehold on the game.

Mark Lawson was able to put the Waltham Wayers out of sight after receiving a clever pass from Ryan Pask. Kurt Forward tidied things up with a late penalty. Chingford travel to Letchworth for their penultimate game of the campaign.

Meanwhile, Woodford succumbed at home to Bury St Edmunds 29-20, while Eton Manor suffered a 33-10 defeat at the hands of Civil Service.

In Essex One, Ilford were despatched by Campion, 24-3, while Upper Clapton were leapfrogged by basement boys Writtle after their 18-10 loss.

Clapton will host Clacton in their last game of the season next week.