CANVEY Island started their London Three North East season with a 33-12 defeat at Harlow.

And coach Steve Murphy knows his side must improve on their opening day display.

“There is a lot to work on for the rest of the season,” said Murphy.

“We have been hit by a lot of injuries in the last few weeks but we will look to bounce back and hopefully that will start at home to Sudbury.”

Canvey’s day began badly when prop Matt Aristudou picked up a back injury in the warm up and was unable to take part in the game.

The Islanders then lost a crucial scrum after just seven minutes and that enabled Harlow’s number eight to go over for a converted try.

A penalty soon extended Harlow’s lead to 10-0 before Canvey skipper John Breading was forced out with concussion that will see him miss his side’s next three matches.

Harlow immediately took advantage with another try to put them 15-0 in front and a penalty on the stroke of half-time put them 18-0 ahead at the break.

The Islanders then also lost veteran Jason Carter with concussion and Harlow soon made it 26-0 with another try and a drop goal.

However, Canvey then hit back and a spell of pressure resulted in a Harlow prop being sin-binned and they made the most of their extra man with a try from debutant hooker Kieran Nash.

Edwards Clarke then went under the posts for Canvey and Nic Ash added the conversion to cut Harlow’s lead to 26-12.

But the home side had the final say when a dropped pass led to a scrum from which their number eight slipped through a few loose tackles to score the final try of the game.