BRETT Smith insists he is still struggling to understand how Canvey Island were beaten 20-6 by Braintree in an Essex One B top of the table clash on Saturday.

The Islanders went into the game sitting second in the standings, looking to close the gap on unbeaten league leaders Braintree.

But Canvey were unable to turn spells of possession into points as they slumped to a second defeat in succession, much to the frustration of Smith.

“I’ve never played in a game where a side had so much possession but come off the pitch the losing side,” said Smith.

“We just weren’t clinical enough in the right areas but our rugby was good in between the 22’s.

“Unfortunately, we just couldn’t add the finishing touches at the vital moments and it’s cost us the game.

“Braintree had the ball far less than we did but what they did with it was clinical and after having so much of the ball and coming away with nothing is demoralising but it’s certainly something for us to learn from.”

The defeat pushed Canvey down to fourth in the table.

And Smith is now keen for the side to pull together as they look to bounce back.

“We have a good side individually but we need to gel as a team,” said Smith.

“But the gaps we have in between games do not help.

“One week we’re winning 100-0 then you have a week off before going straight back into a tough game.

“It’s been difficult to get the continuity we need to be at your best on a more consistent basis.”

Braintree’s clinical edge showed just why they are yet to lose this season.

But, for the first 20 minutes, they did not leave their half against Canvey.

The Islanders went in front during the strong start with a penalty from Jon Edwards however the visitors eventually hit back with a converted try to go 7-3 in front.

Canvey responded with another penalty from Edwards before Braintree landed one of their own to lead 10-6 at half-time.

After the break, Braintree went further ahead with a penalty before they spread the ball wide following a line-out to score a try which extended their lead to 20-6.

However, Canvey continued to battle and threw everything they had at Braintree.

The home-side were camped on Braintree’s five metre line and were awarded a series of penalties for scrummaging offences.

Canvey had been hoping for a penalty try but the decision was not forthcoming and they suffered further frustration when Harry Atkins was adjudged not to have grounded the ball for a try.

The Islanders are now fourth in the Essex One B table but are without a fixture this weekend.