London 1 North Eton Manor 32 Sudbury 31 Sudbury gave one of their best displays of the season, winning two bonus points, and would have claimed overall victory at mid-table Eton Manor, but for two lapses in concentration.

Eton Manor’s big strong pack called the shots in the first half, but things changed when they visibly slowed, either through taking their foot off the gas, or because they ran out of steam.

Sudbury kept up their relentless pace and a highly-entertaining London 1 North game developed.

The hosts took an early lead with two penalties, before scoring a try from a five-metre lineout and rolling maul.

That was after 20 minutes and soon after, Manor tried this tactic again, but this time Sudbury were wise to it.

However, Sudbury’s concentration dipped and missed tackles soon after let the Eton Manor winger run through to score an unopposed 20-point lead.

Sudbury’s fortunes changed when Jake Thurlow scored, after the ball had been thrown beyond the lineout midway in the home half. There, he spotted the gap and ran through to score behind the posts, Chris Lewis making no mistake with the kick.

The second period was a much closer encounter. Lewis reduced the deficit with a penalty and Henry Cowling made a good break but was felled by an illegal move.

This resulted in a yellow card for the home side and three more points for Lewis, but the visitors then gave away a kickable penalty which Manor converted.

Sudbury upped the pace of the game and Jonny Taylor scored after a period of pressure in the home twenty two. Eton Manor replied with a try of their own from a scrum in the twenty two, their winger taking first phase ball to nip down the blind side in a well-worked move.

Sudbury worked hard to get into the home red zone and after several phases, Pete Dedross crossed the line.

Sudbury then let their concentration slip again when the Manor scored another try with about 10 minutes to go.

However, with just minutes left, Sudbury took a scrum in the Manor half and quick hands put Tom Summers clear to score, leaving Sudbury one point adrift.

Mindful of the time, Manor shoved the ball up their jumper for the last minute or so to ensure the win.