Rugby: Hadleigh 12 Basildon 8A WIN and two points in the bag - by any means - are always welcome but the manner in which Hadleigh achieved this league win left a lot to be desired.

Hadleigh 12 Basildon 8

A WIN and two points in the bag - by any means - are always welcome but the manner in which Hadleigh achieved this league win left a lot to be desired.

Following on from two straight defeats, one league loss deservedly so and one close cup loss, showed both the good and bad sides of Hadleigh's character.

A side that promised so much on paper attained a slightly hollow victory against a well organised Basildon.

Looking for improvement Hadleigh, missing Jerry Namadila on Army duties and Nick Eady through injury and Dean Jones through suspension, found able deputies in Paul Lander and David Gostling as well as stalwart Terry Sands.

Hadleigh started well enough but were soon three points down following a converted penalty for indiscipline but came back with renewed vigour and attacked well in phases.

Hadleigh's renowned strength in the forwards told as scrums and line-outs were won well but the undercurrent of back chat and indiscipline grew as simple mistakes were conceded costing precious ground against a side buoyed by Hadleigh's errors.

There were good points in the form of strong running in the backs by the likes of debut maker Olly Gilbert, David Gostling, Regan Berriman and Darren Tully, whose quick throw in at a line-out led to ball being passed down the line for Jamie Maunder to score in the corner to bring the score back to Hadleigh's favour. The try was converted by Andrew Carson, back from injury and playing well.

Hadleigh's forwards played well in the set play with Stu Leadbetter back from injury and keen to make up for lost time, Gary King and Paul Lander going well in the front row and the back row of Scott Leonard, Michael Dexter and Nick Joseland looking to make the most of Basildon's mistakes.

Basildon managed to scrape a try back, but a further try by Darren Tully left the final score 12-8.

General indiscipline and sloppy play marred the victory and need urgent attention should Hadleigh wish to continue to push for promotion.