SIXTH-PLACED Canvey Island suffered a disappointing 25-20 defeat at bottom-of-the-table Writtle Wanderers in Essex One.

Writtle, who had won just four of their previous 19 games, went in front with a converted try before also adding a penalty which made it 10-0.

A further try made it 15-0 to the hosts before Canvey hit back with a penalty from Tom Lister.

Moments later, flanker Billy Slater charged in from 30 metres out and Lister added the conversion before a try from winger Jack Chandler made it 15-15 at half-time.

The visitors soon went in front for the first time when prop forward Luke Lanza went over for a try, but Canvey began to rest on their laurels, enabling Writtle to get back into the game.

The home-side scored a well taken try before Canvey had to shuffle their pack when flanker Matt Gevaux had to leave the field with a dislocated elbow.

Slater was also unable to return, resulting in Canvey having five front row players in their pack.

The hold up and shuffling about resulted in Canvey appearing to lose concentration as Writtle reacted quicker to a loose ball to score the game’s decisive try, much to the frustration of Islanders’ coach Rob Edwards.

“I am disappointed in this result,” said Edwards.

“We gave far too many penalties away and lost concentration at vital times".

Also in Essex One, eighth placed Pegaus Palmerians were thrashed 88-5 at table-topping May & Baker.