Basildon 43, Wymondham 20THE scoreline reflects another heavy away defeat for Wymondham - but in reality it was a heroically fought rearguard action by a scratch Red and Black squad against the biggest forward line-up they have faced this season.

Basildon 43, Wymondham 20

THE scoreline reflects another heavy away defeat for Wymondham - but in reality it was a heroically fought rearguard action by a scratch Red and Black squad against the biggest forward line-up they have faced this season.

Wymondham's weekend began badly with five of the squad calling off, leaving just 16 fit players and only two recognisable front row forwards. Once again Kirk Vincent bravely stepped into the breach with Barry O'Sullivan also agreeing to be the fourth compulsory forward, saving Wymondham the embarrassment of forfeiting the fixture and a two-point penalty.

Surprisingly it was Wymondham who took the game to Basildon from the start, but Basildon scored first when a Wymondham attack broke down and Andy Weeks finished off a 90-metre counter attack. Despite the setback Wymondham continued to pressure the home side winning a penalty that Stephen Simms slotted from over 40 metres.

Basildon's forward power allowed them to easily offload in the tackle providing their pacey backs the opportunities to score two further tries. Wymondham refused to concede and kept up their pressure, Chris Brown eventually bursting through and perfectly timing his final pass to Ian Harris who was able to stroll in to score providing Simms with a simple conversion opportunity.

The second half could not have started better for the Red and Blacks as they battled into the strong wind and after a series of close quarter work John Morfoot smashed his way through to score in the corner bringing Wymondham to within two points. Unfortunately that's where Wymondham's fairly tale came to a grinding halt.

With half an hour left Wymondham lost Gareth Clifford with a head injury that required a Blues and Two's trip to Basildon General and O'Sullivan went into hooker. Within minutes Brown received a yellow for repeated infringements and in his absence Basildon romped to 36 points. Worse was to befall Wymondham with Kirk Vincent sustaining a neck injury that also required treatment by the paramedic still looking after Clifford.

The final 10 minutes went on with uncontested scrummages and Basildon extended the lead. The final result is likely to be re-adjusted to 36-15, which reflects the score when the fixture went to uncontested scrummages.

Coach Dave Masdin, who also had to come on for his second appearance of the season, was full of praise for those who had travelled saying that in spite of the defeat it was arguably one of the best team performances of the season.

Leathes Prior Man of the Match: Jonathan Payne.

With other results going their way Wymondham are now safe from relegation with just two games remaining. They host Wanstead in their final home fixture this weekend.