CANVEY Island suffered a 21-15 defeat to Braintree in London Three Essex.

Both teams contributed to a good game in the wet conditions.

And Canvey captain Brett Smith was frustrated to have come off second best.

“The game was ours but a lapse of discipline particularly on the floor in the ruck cost us, especially with a decent kicker like theirs,” said Smith.

“It was 3-2 to us on tries and it’s a hard loss to take.”

Braintree opened the scoring with a converted try before another effort put them 12-0 in front.

Canvey hit back with a try from prop forward Bill Gorringe and, on half-time, number eight Harley Skidmore also touched down to cut Braintree’s lead to just two points.

However, the visitors replied with three penalties before Canvey scored their third try of the game with Gorringe touching down but the Islanders were unable to get back into the contest late on.

l Thurrock were beaten 20-10 at home to Medway in London One South and are now 10th in the 14 team table.

In London Two North East, Basildon’s slow start continued with a 25-13 defeat against Romford & Gidea Park.

Basildon were promoted from London Three Essex last term but have now suffered three successive defeats at their new level and they sit second from bottom in the standings.

South Woodham Ferrers were also beaten, losing 28-21 at Harlow.

Woodham are now ninth in the standings with one win in their first three games.