Dagenham came from behind to secure a 31-13, bonus-point win in difficult conditions at Epping Upper Clapton on Saturday.

A slow start and early pressure from the hosts allowed Epping to build an early 6-0 lead, after converting two penalty kicks.

Dagenham struggled to hold onto possession and make any headway against the home defence and Enfield eventually pushed even further ahead after a good piece of play from their fly-half, who regathered his own chip kick over the top and passed back inside for a teammate to score under the posts for a 13-0 lead.  

This seemed to be the catalyst that Dagenham needed, with an increase in physicality drawing the rewards of possession and territory.

After a series of powerful carries by the pack, scrum-half Tommy Cameron spotted space on the blindside and produced an excellent finish to score in the corner.

Dagenham continued to apply pressure, with strong running from captain Nat Farrell and centre Perry Cook, cutting open the Epping defensive line.

A powerful scrum on the left provided the platform for Frankie Neale to throw a dummy and crash over the line from close-range but his conversion attempt just clipped the post, leaving the score at 13-10.

The final act of the half saw man-of-the-match Jordan Calverley race through a gap to score after good handling by the backline, with Neale able to add the conversion against the wind on this occasion for a 17-13 lead going into the interval.

The second half continued to be a physical battle, with abrasive carries from Jordan and Jermaine Darkwa helping Dagenham to grind down Epping's resolve.

Efficient phase-play, facilitated by some slick linking passes from Evan Westcott, eventually provided the opportunity for Calverley to score his second try of the day, displaying elusive footwork to beat the final defenders.

Epping continued to fight hard, but the midfield duo of Lewis Pruce and Cook were well up the defensive task and, with the hosts pinned in their own half, it was only a matter of time before the next score came.

It was duly delivered by Pruce crashing through for a strong finish to seal a hard-fought victory and ensure Dagenham continue their momentum.

But they will be aiming for a more clinical performance when they host Upminster at Central Par on Saturday.

The second team secured an impressive 22-5 victory over their respective Epping counter-parts, with captain Chris Rawlinson taking man-of-the-match honours.