CLACTON 17

BILLERICAY 12

Essex League division one

ON a cold, wet and windy afternoon, Clacton overcame a resilient Billericay side to make it two wins out of three in Essex League division one.

Both sides scored two tries each, with the boot of Elliott Shuttleworth making the difference in the final analysis.

After a strong start by the Seasiders, it was the visitors who drew first blood with a converted try on ten minutes.

Clacton came back and Max Swift levelled things eight minutes later, aided by Shuttleworth's conversion.

Cold hands and a slippery ball meant the game was a stop-start affair but the home forwards were gradually showing their superiority at the scrum.

However, the rest of the half was played out in the centre of the field until the last play, when Clacton were awarded a penalty.

Unfortunately, it was dragged wide and the score at the change-round remained 7-7.

The Seasiders went in front on 53 minutes.

An excellent break by Tom Nation resulted in yet another scrum.

Clacton's forwards secured the ball before it was swung out to Darren Tully.

He burst through at pace before offloading to Aaron Redpath to score near the posts.

Shuttleworth added the extras but ten minutes later, Billericay pulled five points back with their second try.

They couldn't add the conversion points and within four minutes had conceded a penalty for not releasing.

Shuttleworth slotted over the award to gain the three points.

This gave his side a 17-12 lead and that was how things remained.

The miserable conditions ensured this was a game that never reached any great heights and both players and spectators were grateful to hear the final whistle. Nevertheless, it was a game played in an excellent spirit although, based on Saturday's performance, neither side is likely to be challenging for honours come the end of the season.

In the warmth of the clubhouse, Tully was given the Clacton man-of-the-match accolade.

Next Saturday sees a break in league action, so Clacton are without a game.

Their next fixture is the week after, when they travel to Upminster.

IPSWICH III 27

CLACTON KESTRELS 12

Eastern Counties League

division three south

CLACTON'S second team, the Kestrels, travelled to Ipswich for their league action and lost by five tries to two.

Alex Wilkins and Omar Lamki, who also received the man-of-the-match award, were the Kestrels try-scorers, with Darren Garrod adding one conversion.

Full marks go to skipper Andy Luton who, having lost players on the morning of the match, still managed to muster a side to travel.

With the break in league action, the Kestrels turn their attention to cup activity on Saturday.

They have been entered into the John Adler Cup, a tournament for Essex RU second XVs, and have a home tie against Maverick seconds.

Kick-off at Vista Road is at 3pm.