CANVEY Island superbly shocked league leaders Colchester with a 13-10 triumph on Saturday.

Tries from scrum half Brett Smith and fly half Jay Bedford, plus a penalty from full-back Ben Chandler were enough for the win.

And Canvey started the game at a pace that shocked the opposition Early on Bedford put a ball into the Colchester 22 and Canvey’s forwards were on it and driving forward.

From the ensuing ruck, Smith picked up the ball found a gap and went over for the first try.

Colchester instantly replied with a try of their own but, from the resulting kick off, Canvey put Colchester on the back foot and, after some excellent team play from number eight Dave Dennis, Bedford went over to make it 10-5.

After the break, Canvey added a penalty from Chandler but the Islanders were then forced to ring the changes and have a reshuffle when Dennis and winger Jason Carter received injuries.

This did not alter Canvey’s style of play but, 10 minutes from time, centre Alex Breading received a head injury and the ref stopped the game, unfortunately for Colchester who looked to be making a break.

An ambulance was called and the match was moved on to another pitch for the final 10 minutes where Canvey managed to hang on for a memorable win.

It was a good day for Basildon too as they beat bottom-of-the-table Crusa-ders 20-19.

They where pleased with the win but were also frustrated by a determined side that pushed them the whole game.

Greg Smith scored a length-of-the-pitch try in the second half, keeping his strike rate going for yet another week.

Lewis Hannaford also played with distinction, earning him the man of the match accolade.

South Woodham Ferrers are now third after winning 24-18 at Wymondham.

But Billericay were not so fortunate and suffered a 22-0 defeat at second-placed Ipswich.