BASILDON continued their push for the London Three Essex title with a narrow 17-15 win at Upminster.

Basildon fought back from being 12-5 down at half-time to secure their 11th win in 12 games.

But their first team manager Mark Farrell felt the below par performance could have been down to a lack of training.

“We have not been able to train on our pitches and I think it showed on Saturday,” said Farrell.

“We failed to connect as a team and allowed Upminster the belief they could contest, which to their credit they did.

“That said, we worked hard in defence, never gave up and dug out another solid win.”

Basildon remain eight points clear at the top of the table and went in front when an excellent pass from Sam Ridley set up hooker Jon Berry to score a try.

Upminster hit back with two tries of their own to lead 12-5 at the break before the hosts were shown a yellow card at the start of the second half, enabling Basildon to get back on top.

As a result, Lee Amman soon touched down for a try Ridley converted but Upminster were soon able to regain the lead with a penalty kick.

However, Basildon were able to fight back and, with time running out, Amman made a break for the line before popping the ball up for scrum half Daniel Rowley who touched down to secure a hard-fought win.

Basildon will now be looking for another win when they host fourth placed East London this weekend.