SOUTH Woodham Ferrers continued their push for promotion by securing their first ever win at Rochford Hundred on Saturday.

Second placed Woodham secured a 26-17 victory in the London Two North East clash at Magnolia Road.

And Woodham’s first team manager Jack Kershaw was thrilled to have seen his side secure their ninth win in 10 games.

“It was a bit nail biting at the end, but as has been proven already this season the belief in the boys paid off and helped us pick up another bonus point win,” said Kershaw.

“Some excellent individual performances on Saturday helped put in a great team performance from one to18.

“Woodsey (head coach Tony Woods) gave the boys a game plan like every week and they once again stuck to it, which is great to see.

“Rochford battled hard and deservedly got themselves back in the game but our fitness levels and confidence paid off in the end.

“We now look forward to two away games and 10 home games after Christmas when we hopefully can continue to build momentum.”

Woodham started well at the weekend and, with just seven minutes on the clock, they went in front with skipper Lewis Gilbert touching down and Adam Brown adding the conversion.

Woodham soon went further in front when Brown’s kick forward was poked on by Ross Noakes before Leon Gateson gathered the ball and offloaded to Andy Williams to score.

Rochford hit back with two penalties from Matt Stewart which cut Woodham’s lead to 12-6.

But, just before the break, Woodham went further in front when Joe Dukelow chipped and chased well and dived onto the ball to score following a mistake from Mark Billings to make it 19-6 at half-time.

After the break, Rochford improved and Woodham were reduced to 14 men when Ricky Turner was yellow carded.

The hosts took advantage with Matt Bevan bagging a try before two more penalties from Stewart cut Woodham’s lead to 19-17 with just 15 minutes of the match remaining.

Woodham were hit by another yellow card when David Bull was sent to the bin.

However, the visitors dug deep and a try from veteran club prop Neil Gittos, which was converted by Brown, sealed another victory for Woodham.