Rochford Hundred stayed top of the London Two North East table with an 18-16 win over Romford and Gidea Park.

The tight and tense encounter saw Romford go ahead early on with two penalty kicks.

But Rochford hit back and finally got themselves on the score-sheet with a tremendous try which came from sustained play in the Romford 22.

The ball was passed through many fast hands before finding Greg Stubbs who sped over to score a fine try.

Just before half time more pressure resulted in a penalty And this allowed centre Tom Ashton a chance at goal.

And he took that with pleasure to take the home side ahead 8–6 at the break.

Rochford seemed to go up a gear at the start of the second half and more fast flowing play was rewarded with wing Stubbs diving over for his second try.

Captain Sam Tape then also went over to make it 18-6.

But Romford staged a fine comeback to set up an exciting conclusion to the game.

A penalty after some slack Rochford play was kicked over to reduce the deficit.

And a converted try then followed to make it 18-16.

The visitors continued to pile on the pressure.

But, with some great defending and a little bit of luck, Rochford hung on to win.

As a result, they are now two points clear of second place Braintree with Canvey Island third after they saw off Sudbury 40-21.

Canvey opened the scoring with a Lee Thorne penalty and went further ahead when winger Charlie Clarke finished off an excellent move to score a try.

Thorne converted before Sudbury hit back with a try of their own.

Canvey responded with a penalty from Thorne before Ben Chandler stole the ball score and convert a try to make it 20-5 to the Islanders at half-time.

Sudbury started the second half strongly with two penalties and a try but from then on Canvey started to control the game.

As a result, prop Jason Fardell made a blistering charge into the Sudbury defence, resulting in number eight Dave Dennis crossing the line.

Thorne converted and next it was flanker Jack Gillingwater’s turn to run at the opposition.

And, from the resulting maul, Dennis went over for his second try.

In reply, Sudbury scored a converted try.

But Canvey were not to be denied a fifth win in sixth league games.

And they secured victory with a penalty from Thorne and a try from their talented scrum half Brett Smith.

Canvey will be confident of continuing their good run of results when they head to bottom of the table Beccles this Saturday.

Rochford have – on paper anyway – a much tougher match.

They are away at sixth placed Saffron Walden this weekend.