A BELOW-PAR South Woodham Ferrers were seen off 27-10 by Romford & Gidea Park in London Two North East.

Romford’s win boosted their survival hopes towards the bottom of the table.

And Woodham’s David Baker felt the home-side were nowhere near their best.

“This was probably the worst game the home supporters have witnessed in the last couple of seasons with the team only really playing for the first 10 minutes of each half,” said Baker.

“Romford played with all the spirit and determination needed to dominate play throughout the other 60 minutes and deserved their win.”

The game started brightly for Woodham who for once came out of the blocks strongly having most of the possession in the first quarter of the game.

But possession could not be turned into points as attack after attack faltered with handling errors and strong defending keeping them out.

As Romford got into the game, Woodham simply could not deal with their scrum and the visitors soon opened the scoring with a penalty.

With the home side on the back-foot Romford piled on the pressure and a further three scrum penalties in the Woodham 22 saw the referee award them a penalty try.

To try and bolster up the scrum Neil Gittos was introduced into the fray and things started to look a little more even but Romford led 10-0 at the break.

Woodham improved at the start of the second half with Alex Baker kicking a penalty and Jack Knowles scoring a try after a great run from Joey Dukelow.

But any hopes of a turn round in fortune and a win for the home side were dashed by Romford who then ran in three unanswered tries to earn the bonus point win that will do much to help their hopes of staying up.

And that left Baker feeling frustrated.

“We simply were not in the game for long periods and there will be much frustration that the normally fluid attack simply couldn’t get going,” said Baker.

“Too often individuals made breaks but there was no support to help capitalise on them.

“Handling errors and more silly penalties often saw promising possession turned over and the coaches will have been mortified by some of the game management decisions.

“All in all this was a game to be forgotten and it is hoped that the lads can recover in time for the crucial visit to Holt next week.

In London One South, Thurrock beat Belsize Park 23-22 while in London Three Essex, Basildon lost 33-0 at Braintree.

In Essex One, Billericay lost 29-18 at Clacton and Canvey Island won 51-17 at Harwich & Dovercourt.