Charlie Parkhouse hat-trick earns Shelford a point at Southend Saxons

And Cantabrigian suffer another defeat

Charlie Parkhouse's try hat-trick was not enough for Shelford as they were beaten 34-26 at Southend Saxons in London & SE Premier.

Parkhouse got the opening score, converted by Simon Hrbek, but then Southend surged into a 24-7 lead by half time.

Charlie Baker reduced the arrears with a try, converted by Hrbek, and it was narrowed to 24-21 when Parkhouse got his second score, converted by Hrbek.

But a converted try and a penalty gave Southend a bonus point and eventually the win, with Parkhouse's third touchdown sealing Shelford a try bonus point.

Shelford will be looking to bounce back against Sidcup at the Davey Field this Saturday (January 20) in a double header on the all-weather pitch, with a match between Northampton Saints under-18s and Saracens under-18s kicking off at midday.

Injuries and absentees continue to blight Cantabrigian as they lost 48-7 to Rochford Hundred in London League 2NE.

Glen Remnant's side always knew it would be a tough game against the runaway leaders, who have earned 13 bonus-point wins this season.

Cantabs put up a valiant fight, and had the final say in the game, with Jim Bryant out-sprinting the defence to score under the posts, with Nick Denham adding the conversion.

But the game was long gone, and the result leaves Cantabs at the bottom of the table, with Romford visiting this Saturday.