CANVEY Island’s director of rugby Alex Breading was keen to stay positive despite his side opening the London Three Essex season with a 36-7 defeat at Barking.

Barking produced an impressive performance to see off the Islanders.

But Breading refused to get too downbeat.

“Although it was not the result we were hoping for there were plenty of positives to take from this game against a very good opposition,” said Breading.

“Our tight scrums had the better of Barking and our new look back division can only get better.

“But, most importantly, we never let our heads drop and kept our formation throughout the majority of the game.”

Barking began brightly and opened the scoring with a converted try in the first minute of the match.

An unconverted try then made it 12-0 before two further tries put the hosts 26-0 ahead.

However, Canvey did not let their heads go down and continued to attack at every possible opportunity.

From one of their forays forward, full-back Jack Chandler touched down for an excellent opportunist try which was converted by Charlie Clarke.

The try cut Barking’s lead to 26-7 at half-time but the home side were back on top after the break and two more tries saw them secure an opening day victory.

Canvey will now be looking to bounce back when they host Maldon in their first home game of the season on Saturday.

l Thurrock recorded their first win of the London One South season at the weekend, beating Westcombe Park 32-22.

The victory saw T’s bounce back from a 40-15 defeat against Sevenoaks on the opening day of the campaign.

l Billericay won 32-5 at Dagenham on the first day of the Essex One season.

Billericay will be bidding for more of the same against Old Brentwoods this weekend.