It was always going to be a tough ask for Tottonians when they headed for London 1 South leaders Sidcup with several regular first team players missing.

So, with a hugely one-sided penalty count against them and four players being yellow carded throughout the match, it was little wonder they suffered their heaviest loss in some time.

Totts returned to their base with nothing to show from the 53-12 defeat as the unbeaten pacesetters claimed their 12th victory from 13 games.

Tottonians were still in the match at the interval, going in 21-12 down thanks to four penalties from Pierre Alex Clark.

Mike Wiznewski was shown a yellow card just before half time and three Totts’ teammates – Harry Dolbear, Ieuan Williams and Kev Raqio – spent ten minutes each on the sidelines during the second half as the referee awarded the home side around 20 penalties.

Sidcup added steadily to their three first half tries to claim the game with ease.

Havant RFC kept a firm grip on second spot in the league with a 36-18 win at Chobham while Gosport & Fareham were beaten 33-0 at home by mid-table Maidstone, who scored all their tries in the second half.

In London 2 South-West Winchester lost out 27-18 at home to a strong third-placed Camberley team.

Greg Sullivan kept Winch in the match with a first half try and Number 8 Rob Rees went over when the visitors’ bonus point win had all but been sewn up.