SOUTH Woodham Ferrers thrashed Woodford 54-5 to move level on points with London Two North East leaders Diss.

Woodham’s win was their third in succession and delighted their backs coach Gareth Harper.

“It was great to see so many team tries on Saturday,” said Harper.

“We blew them away and except for their early try they were never in the game.

“To be joint top is a really great feeling and the boys are buzzing.

“We move onto Norwich next week wanting to put further pressure on Diss before the humdinger against them in two weeks.”

Woodham opened the scoring after just 40 seconds when Warren Duggan touched down and Andy Williams added the conversion.

Woodford hit back with a try of their own before new boy Potu Leavasa scored on his debut to put Woodham 12-5 in front.

Moments later, Woodham were awarded the first of three penalty tries which Adam Brown converted before both teams were reduced to 14 men.

The first half ended with Woodham 19-5 in front and they remained on top in the second half.

Duggan touched down for his second try of the game before Joe Dukelow finished off a well-worked move from the backs.

With Woodham continuing to pile on the pressure, Leon Gateson was then subjected to a high tackle which resulted in a penalty try being awarded which, thanks to two more conversions, saw the home-side go 40-5 ahead.

A third penalty try was soon awarded caused by Woodham’s forward domination which also saw Woodford shown a yellow card.

And Woodham sealed their win late on when Gateson touched down and Brown added the conversion from the corner.

The convincing win saw Woodham get revenge on Woodford who beat them in mid-January and also saw them maintain their push for promotion at the top of the table.