BASILDON scored a late penalty to beat Canvey 17-15 in the Counties Two Essex league.

The away side started strongest, after some strong set pieces meant Harvey Aspinall could have a go from the tee just inside his own half.

Aided by the wind he made no mistake and Canvey were 3-0 just inside 20 minutes.

Then minutes later they would look top extend their lead.

A turnover in midfield by Harry Atkins meant Guy Chesher could spread it wide to Aspinall, the winger doing well to beat his man and score in the corner.

Alfie Thorne was able to convert from the corner and put the Islanders 10-0 ahead.

It would then be the home side's time to reply.

A series of penalties pinned Canvey back towards their own try line before a pick and go from close range meant Basildon could power over and score to put them within three points.

Shortly after the second half the away side would then respond again, off the back of more set piece dominance.

A change at hooker meant Canvey could get the shove on before number eight Jordan Wheeler powered over from short distance.

With the Islanders now 15-7 up, Basildon looked to respond.

Some strong carries in midfield meant that the there was space out wide with the home side's winger spreading the pitch before going over to reduce the gap to one point with an impressive conversion.

Canvey thought they had then survived the late pressure though as a kick at the post from Basildon failed to hit the target.

But just a matter of minutes later an offside penalty meant they could have another chance, Basildon making no mistake clinching the game on their second attempt.

The win from Basildon means that the gap between them and Canvey moves to 10 points and puts them within striking distance of the top half of the table.

However, a loss for Canvey means that the Islanders have now lost their last two on the bounce, and will look to put it right next time out.