WOODFORD raised their game to turn the London One North table on its head as they swept aside local rivals Chingford at the Highams on Saturday.

Despite the whopping points difference between the two sides – Chingford had amassed more than double the amount of points their opponents had managed before kick-off at the weekend – Woodford emerged as if they were the promotion hopefuls, rather than relegation battlers.

The 23-7 scoreline ensured the hosts clawed their way out of immediate danger near the foot of the division and now occupy 10th out of the competing 14 teams.

For Chingford it was their second successive defeat and one that all but ends their hopes of promotion this season.

Luke Campbell converted and scored their only try of the day, but it was Woodford that hit their straps, racking up the points to record a vital win and secure local bragging rights, having surrendered them to Eton Manor the week prior.

Manor, meanwhile, have shot up the league into mid-table after a terrific run of four consecutive victories.

This week, Brentwood were comfortably brushed aside 17-3 at New Wilderness.

The home side took the lead after a succession of infringements from the visitors. Having opted to go for the try rather than take the three points on offer, Manor eventually broke the resistance through Garth Tucker.

Blane McKie broke through for the second score after Brentwood had moved to within two points with a penalty. The conversion was added to take the scores to 12-3 at the break.

John Robinson then scored the try that put Manor out of sight, grounding the ball from a driving maul.

Elsewhere, Bancroft remain embroiled in the relegation scrap at the bottom of London Three North East after a 15-7 loss at promotion-chasing Newmarket.

A close-range score from the hosts was the only one of an even first half. But Bancroft got their noses in front when Alex Silk, attacking down the slope, gathered a knock on and sprinted under the posts, with Chris Grant adding the extras.

A converted try out wide put Newmarket back in front and a penalty completed the scoring, although the Bs were right to take plenty of positives from the game.

Wanstead, meanwhile, enjoyed a comprehensive 33-13 victory over Campion.

In Essex Two, champions Upper Clapton had a deserved week off, but Ilford Wanderers kept up their slim promotion hopes with a narrow 5-0 win at Phantoms.