Second–half points blitz squares it up

5:50pm Thursday 17th April 2008

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Eton Manor 0
Woodford 29
(London Two North)

WOODFORD ensured the derby spoils finished all-square for the season after demolishing local rivals Eton Manor.

The hosts had won the earlier encounter in the campaign at the Highams, but the visitors produced one of their best diplays of the year to leave the New Wilderness side clear winners.

Woodford started brightly and having missed a couple of half chances, they saw Huw Levis step up to knock over a penalty to give them a 3-0 lead.

Back came Manor as they looked to use their powerful scrum to their advantage. But the visitors defended well to hold firm and there was no further scoring before the break.

With the second half underway, it was the High-ams men who extended their advantage when flying wing-er Simo Sigakele scored an excellent try in the corner.

Woodford continued to turn the screw and opposite winger Tim Jolly got their second try of the game when he scored in the corner. Levis again had his kicking boots on and added a fine conversion to make it 15-0.

The hosts went on the attack and scrum half Reece Reed produced a great piece of skill to put in winger Pete Robinson, but a brilliant last-ditch tackle by Ray Luggerri prevented the score and Woodford cleared their lines.

Another turnover from Red Newberry was moved wide quickly by Stef Elef-theriou with Ben Williams putting in Sigakele for his second try of the afternoon.

The conversion from Levis was good to give Woodford a clear lead with ten minutes to play.

There was still time for Woodford to again move the ball wide and hooker Massimino took advantage of Sigakele's classy running to score under the sticks for his second try of the season.

Levis again kicked the conversion to complete the scoring.

Delighted Woodford coach Peter Christey said: "I was very pleased with the way we stuck to our game plan.

"The first half was a very messy affair but we had to battle hard against a very good Manor scrummage.

"It wasn't until the game opened up in the second half that we could get some width to our game and that's when we managed to score a few well executed tries."

Manor counterpart Ged White said: "I was very disappointed with the performance and we lacked any real intensity.

"The game plan we set out before the match seem-ed to go out the window and we paid the price against a Woodford team who were worthy winners in the end."