Stef’s try is not enough to save Woodford from defeat

WOODFORD lost ground on the London Two North pace-setters after being narrowly beaten.

When Jemi Akin-Olugbade embarked upon a jinking run inside the first ten minutes to cross the line for a try, it was clear that their visit to the Linford Christie stadium might provide Woodford with slim pickings.

The try was sandwiched between two penalties, but Woodford hit back with a touch down by Jamie Phillipson from a rolling maul.

This comeback was stifled quickly by some quality intercepting play from Nigerian's which saw them notch up another seven points.

Woodford responded with a try from Ed Gooday that was converted by Huw Levis to leave them nursing a 20-12 deficit at the break.

In the second half the Sheperd's Bush side quickly ran over another try.

Stef Eleftheriou secured Woodford's first try of the half following some good work by Levis. But in the final ten minutes Olufunwa crushed any hopes Woodford harboured of overhauling Nigerian's when he sprinted away to score the deciding try.

The Highams men managed a penalty try that was converted by Levis close to the death, but it was too little too late.