SOUTH Woodham Ferrers moved up to third in the London Two North East standings with a 26-21 win at Ipswich.

The triumph was Woodham’s fifth in six games and pleased head coach Tony Woods.

“The wind played a huge part in the second half and for large portions of the game camped us in our own 22 but our excellent defence across the park saw us manage the game and see it out following some excellent attacks,” said Woods.

“Sammy Sharp, who has excelled recently, deserves a special mention for his work around the ruck area and taking the ball into contact making yards all afternoon.

“Next week is a cup week and some of the boys on the fringes will get a chance to impress and others will be rested.

“We head to Holt the week after looking to close the gap on top spot and utilise our home run of games after Christmas to mount a challenge.”

Woodham raced into a 12-0 lead but found themselves 14-12 down at half-time.

But Woodham made the most of their strong and experienced bench at half time, bringing Jack Reeve on at full back and Jake Rawinksy for Leon Gateson who had a great first half.

However, the strong wind meant Woodham spent long periods of time defending before a moment of brilliance Rawinksy teed up Adam Brown to score.

Woodham went on to secure a bonus point win and are now six points behind table-topping Old Cooperians with two games in hand.

>BASILDON secured a second win in succession, beating Lowestoft & Yarmouth 30-12 in London Three North East.

In Essex One A, second from bottom Billericay lost 17-11 at home to Kings Cross Steelers, the only team below them in the table while Pegasus Palmerians were seen off 31-19 by Old Brentwoods.

Table-toppers Stanford le Hope were handed a walk-over against Bancroft.