BASILDON fought back to secure a 7-7 draw at Holt in London Two North East

The Norfolk side went in front with a converted try but that seemed to galvanise the visitors and Basildon had the best of the next 10 minutes.

However, a combination of a strong Holt defence and handling errors with the greasy ball meant Basildon could not make the most of their opportunities.

In reply, Holt kicked well into the corners and it was Basildon’ turn to defend well as they kept the score to 7-0 at half-time.

In the second half, Basildon were back on top and, following a rolling maul five metres out, Gary Burke crashed over. The conversion was very well taken in difficult conditions by prop Charlie Baker.

The rest of the match was almost all spent in the home side’s 22 but Basildon could not break through as even stylish winger John Bonnet, normally a huge threat, was kept scoreless.

With a couple of minutes to go there was a ball spilt from a very good tackle by Holt and their winger sped 40 metres down field but it was winger Daniel Rowle who was Basildon's hero with a try saving tackle.

The draw also moved Basildon up to sixth in the table.