CANVEY Island recovered from a slow start to beat Maldon 31-15 in London Three Essex.

The Islanders conceded two soft tries in the opening exchanges in their first home game of the season.

But Canvey’s director of rugby Alex Breading was delighted with the reaction of his team.

“We made it hard for ourselves in the first quarter or so but once we sorted the problem out it was good,” said Breading,

“Considering the changes we made this week due to various reasons I am really pleased.

“It was only our second league match and the squad is beginning to take shape with our new and returning players fitting in well with the squad.”

Canvey were beaten 36-7 by Barking on the opening day of the campaign and also started slowly against Maldon.

The home side gave away two soft unconverted tries after some sloppy play but always looked strong.

The forwards took control of the contest with prop forward Jason Fardell touching down.

Moments later, the dominance of Canvey’s pack led to them being awarded a penalty try which put the home side 12-10 in front at half-time.

After the break, Fardell bagged his second try of the game and Damon Cooper’s conversion put them 19-10 ahead, but Maldon soon hit back with a try of their own.

But Canvey immediately replied with the best try of the game as a well-worked move involving several players resulted in Jack Chandler touching down to make it 24-15.

The Islanders then wrapped up their first victory of the season with a try from winger Dan Gillett.

Canvey Island: Hassan, Gillett, Chandler, Smith, Dulieu, Cooper, Bracknell, Fardell, Floyd, Gorringe, Tape, Rowe, Horton, Clarke, Skidmore

Replacements: Lanza, Nash & Gillespie