Basildon move eight points clear at the top of the table

The triumph was Basildon’s eighth in succession but left head coach Mark Cushi with mixed emotions.

“It was a mixed bag for us really,” said Cushi.

“It was a strong performance by us against a very well drilled Millwall side.

“But if we had kept our composure then we could have scored another four tries.”

Basildon went into the game three points ahead of second placed Millwall.

And the club’s forward coach Kris Chesney was pleased his side were able to get their own back on the Londoners, having suffered a 47-32 defeat against them in September.

“Millwall are the only side to beat us in the league and are justifiably in second place in the league, so it’s a good win,” said the former Saracens star.

“We worked hard in defence on Saturday and we have a fast, high defence that did not allow Millwall any room.

“When we did get the ball in the right areas, we put them to the sword but we have to keep it going.”

However, Basildon were made to work hard for the win after making a slow start, which included captain Jim Harman being shown an early yellow card.

The home side’s defence was able to stand firm during their 10 minute period with a numerical disadvantage and it was not until the 20th minute that the deadlock was finally broken by Basildon.

The hosts piled on the pressure and went in front when Elliott Keefe touched down after a successful Basildon scrum.

Millwall replied with a penalty before Basildon hit back with another try when a quick pick and go from openside Lee Amman touched down to make it 12-3 at half-time.

Basildon spurned a number of chances to extend their lead at the start of the second half and Millwall took full advantage by scoring two penalties and a try to go in front for the first time.

However, Basildon responded well to the setback and four successive infringements led to them being awarded a penalty try.

And Basildon sealed their win late on when another penalty try was given after a sustained spell of pressure.