THERE was very little to cheer about for local sides as some of the final fixtures of the rugby season were played out at the weekend.

Chingford brought the curtain down on their London One North season with a disappointing 18-16 home defeat to Letchworth Garden City, while there were also losses for Eton Manor and Woodford in their penultimate games.

Wanstead provided the only bright spot as they brought their campaign to a close with a nail-biting 15-14 victory over Lowestoft & Yarmouth in London Three North East.

In Essex One, Bancroft’s sensational 13-game winning streak was brought to a shuddering halt in the final game of their regular season when league winners Campion roared to a 38-7 win.

However, the bitter taste will not last long for Stephen Baker and his troops as second place in the division had long been cemented, and they can look forward to a do-or-die play-off clash with Stowmarket in two weeks, to decide who will win promotion to London Three North East.

Each of the local teams in London One North tasted defeat on Saturday, with Chingford missing out by just a two-point margin against Letchworth, in a result that could yet see the Waltham Wayers surrender fourth place to their conquerors.

Chingford have a one-point cushion over Letchworth, although they have finished their quota of games, whereas City have one more still to play.

It was Letchworth who raced into a 10-0 lead on Saturday, only for Chingford to reel them back in and head into the break with their noses in front thanks to a Robert Gash penalty and drop goal, as well as a try from David Knight.

Donnagh Fitzgerald then responded to another try from the visitors with a score of his own, only for the late curse to strike once again, Letchworth scoring with just two minutes remaining to snatch the points.

Elsewhere, Woodford were swatted aside by third-placed Westcliff, going down 47-10. A 20-minute blitz yielded three tries for the visitors but Woodford hit back with Paul Hyatt touching down and Ben Lloyd adding the extras. Four more tries followed in the second half as Westcliff cantered home.

Eton Manor were also seen off by Bury St Edmunds, who sit one place above them in the table in seventh.

The New Wilderness men will take some pleasure from the fact that they are sure to finish the season above local rivals Woodford, who are four points back in tenth.

Meanwhile, Bancroft took a depleted team to face unbeaten leaders Campion. And the game started in spectacular fashion for the visitors, Matt Barrett going over for a converted try after just three minutes.

However, that was to be the only mark the Bs would make on the scoreboard, as the hosts proved their class and ran away with the points. Three tries before half-time were doubled in the second half, despite a spirited comeback from the away side.

There was further disappointment for Ilford Wanderers, who will finish rock-bottom of Essex One after their 72-5 mauling at the hands of East London.

In Essex Two, Loughton established themselves in mid-table with an impressive 15-12 win over Kings Cross Steelers, while Ongar finished second from the foot of the table.