CANVEY Island captain Charlie Clarke heaped praise on his side’s forwards following a 24-19 win at Pegasus Palmerians in Essex One.

The Islanders dug deep to triumph in their opening game of the new season.

And Clarke was thrilled to kick off the campaign with a win.

“Our forwards worked well against a bigger pack, giving the backs some good ball to work with on the small pitch,” said the skipper.

“But we will have to play for the full 80 minutes moving forward and keep our discipline and concentration.”

Canvey opened the scoring with a try from centre Jack Chandler which was converted by Jon Edwards.

Pegasus replied with an unconverted try before the Islanders extended their lead with a try from number eight Harry Atkins.

Edwards again added the conversion before he also added the extras after a try from Jason Carter to make it 21-5 at half-time.

Edwards then kicked a penalty at the start of the second-half but, after that, Canvey seemed to hit back, allowing Pegasus to score two converted tries.

That set up a nervy last 10 minutes for the Islanders but they stood firm late on to secure a hard fought win.

>BILLERICAY also enjoyed opening day success in Essex One, winning 21-5 at Kings Cross Steelers.