Basildon slipped to third in the table after a narrow 8-7 defeat at their high-flying rivals Enfield Ignatians.

The teams cancelled each other out with excellent defensive displays. But it was Basildon on the back foot for the first half.

As a result, Enfield went in front from a pushover try following a five metre scrum before Basildon suffered another blow when flanker Joe Green was yellow carded for the last 10 minutes of the first half.

Basildon dug deep to remain only 5-0 down at the break and they went in front in the second half when a try from James Meadows was converted by Brad Johnson.

The expected Enfield rally never materialised and it was the visitors on top for almost the last 30 minutes.

However, a bit like Enfield in the first half, Basildon could not turn their pressure in to points.

Johnson brushed the posts with a penalty attempt and Basildon continued to be camped in the Enfield 22.

But in reply, Enfield winger Tan Mbonu then latched on to a wayward pass and made 50 metres before being hauled down by centre Ben White.

A penalty was awarded and then kicked as the ball bounced on top of the cross bar before going over to give Enfield the win they needed to jump above Basildon.

Both teams remain behind league leaders Romford and Gidea Park who won 52-9 at Canvey Island at the weekend. Canvey raced into a 9-0 lead courtesy of three penalties by Brett Smith before being outclassed.

Basildon: Howard, Jones, dieu de Bellefontaine,White,Johnson, Meadows,O' Mahoney, Stevens, Pehlevan,Baker, Creasey, Hickey, Chandler, Green, Kemp.

Replacements: Harman, Crowhurst & Randal.