SECOND placed Basildon continued their fine form with a 27-15 win over Beccles.

Beccles started the stronger and took the lead with a penalty after three minutes. But Basildon struck with their first meaningful move when a powerful break by flanker Joe Green resulted in a try for number eight Daniel Kemp who sped over out wide.

Bottom of the table Beccles were well in the game but good Basildon defence kept them out.

In a rare incursion into the Beccles 22 second row, John Hickey pounced on a loose ball at a line out and barged over for the home side's second try.

On 31 minutes Basildon scrum half JD O’Mahoney made a solo break and scored with a skillful chip and chase.

However, Beccles scored a well-deserved try on the stroke of half time to cut Basildon’s lead to 15-8.

The second period started well for Basildon when winger Zac Jones sprinted over under the posts. Brad Johnson added the conversion.

Beccles then enjoyed their best period of the match.

They spent 10 minutes camped on Basildon’s try line and were twice adjudged to have been held up over the line.

It was a cruel blow to the visitors when following their period of domination Basildon centre Ben White made a 40 metre break and fed Green who squeezed in at the corner.

Johnson hit a superb conversion to make it 27-8 but back came Beccles who scored a try and only just missed out on the bonus point they deserved as the game finished 27-15.