Colchester RFC secured the title and promotion to the national league after a dramatic match at Eton Manor.

Leaders Colchester grabbed top spot in London and South East League division one north after drawing 18-18 at second-placed Manor in the final match of the season.

Colchester took the lead with a penalty kick from David Higgins.

However, the home side equalised with a penalty of their own before going in front 6-3 from another penalty.

But Colchester retook the lead with a converted try from skipper Callum Irvine under the posts to make it 10-6 at half-time.

Colchester went further ahead after the break with an unconverted try after the forwards forced the ball over the line.

Eton Manor came back with a try of their own to make the score 15-11.

However, Higgins slotted another crucial penalty to increase Colchester’s lead to seven points.

But late in the game Manor came back with a converted to try to draw level and set up a tense finale.

However, Colchester held on to secure the title and promotion to the national leagues for the first time in the club’s history.