Woodford 10 Civil Service 54 WOODFORD suffered a heavy home defeat against title-chasing Civil Service at the weekend, writes Richard Howard.

Woodford 10 Civil Service 54

WOODFORD suffered a heavy home defeat against title-chasing Civil Service at the weekend, writes Richard Howard.

The hosts hoped a 58-7 away defeat in November could have been improved upon with home advantage, but those thoughts were soon dashed.

Skipper Robbie Connell was missing at number eight, and he was replaced by Mike Lawler, while Niall Moody was back from a spell at Ealing and colts Will Evans and Jack Gammons kept their places.

Service scored first to lead 5-0, but Woodford responded and were only denied by an effective Civil defence.

The visitors soon reasserted themselves and moved 27-0 ahead at half time after a further four tries, along with one conversion.

In the second half, Woodford conceded a converted try within three minutes to fall 34-0 behind, but Will Evans then managed an excellent score in the corner to finally open his side's account.

Service continue their steady points accumulation, with a well-rehearsed move bringing another score, but Woodford were starting to make a better fist of ball retention.

It mattered little as another two scores put the visitors 49-5 ahead, although Woodford again responded through Evans, but a final try from Service brought proceedings to an end.