Basildon returned to winning ways in London Three North East with a 29-16 home triumph over Norwich.

Basildon had slipped off the top of the table following two successive league defeats.

But they got back on track with a well deserved win at the weekend.

The game did not begin well though as Norwich opened the scoring in the first minute with a penalty.

However, after that it was all Basildon for the rest of the first half. From a scrum near halfway, skipper and scrum half Lee Randall broke to put winger Graham Richmond in the clear.

He made 20m before passing back to Randall who ran in under the posts.

The home-side’s second try came from a break by man of the match stand off Mathew Tilson who fed centre Peter Smith for him to crash over.

On the stroke of half time Randall got his second try following some smart work by number eight Dan Kemp.

Randall got a penalty and two conversions to make it 22-6 at half time.

Twelve minutes into the second half the match was made safe for the home team when the quick thinking second row Reece Cuningham took a tap penalty and went over from five metres.

Norwich never gave up and their lively prop ran in two late tries but by then the damage had been done.

The win keeps Basildon third in the standings, a point behind second placed Lowestoft and Yarmouth who they play this Saturday.

South Woodham Ferrers were also successful on Saturday as they saw off Bancroft 25-24 and are now sixth in the table.