IT was derby day at this level on Saturday as Canvey Island saw off their local rivals Basildon 15-10 in London Four North-East.

Before the game Essex RFU President Gerry Mansfield and former Essex RFU President Mick Norris were on hand to present a surprised Richard Smith – one of the founding members of Canvey RUFC – with the coveted RFU volunteer recognition award.

With the pleasantries out of the way – attention was turned to the pitch and Canvey started brightly opting to play with the wind in the first half.

After 20mins of territorial chess, the Islanders made a break through with Jay Bedford kicking them three points in front from a penalty.

Ten minutes later Skipper James Breading’s domination of the lineout led to a rolling maul from the back of the line.

As the maul was brought down scrum half Bret Smith seized his opportunity and dived over the white wash to make it 8-0.

Basildon came back into the game with a try from skipper Lee Randall But Canvey’s forwards maintained their domination of the set piece in the second half and it was not long until number eight David Dennis went over.

Chandler added the conversion to make it 15-5.

Never a side to give up, Basildon, who produced a much improved display, scored the final try of the day as Randall went over for a second time.

The two teams are now locked level on points towards the foot of the table, with Basildon second from bottom.

In Saturday’s other derby South Woodham Ferrers beat Billericay 28-5 to move upto third in the table.

Prop Anthony Atkinson scored Billericay’s try but it was not enough to stop them suffering their fifth defeat of the season.

They are now ninth in the table, just ahead of Canvey Island.