By John Troup

MUDDY conditions did little to help Braintree Rugby Club as they headed to London League division three Essex leaders Basildon.

The heavy pitch suited the hosts more as they took another step towards the league title, although Braintree stayed third despite their 20-7 defeat in a game when all the scoring took place in the first half.

Braintree’s chairman of selectors David Gilder said: “We travelled to Basildon with great optimism, even though they had lost only one game all season.

“We travelled with a good squad - our forwards had been performing and the backs line up was strong with good pace.

“However, the slog through the mud just to get to the pitch gave a good indication of the playing conditions to come and we knew we wouldn’t be chucking the ball around to great effect.

“The mud suited the heavy strong home pack and their style of play.

“They played the conditions perfectly.

“Our forwards worked really hard and apart from a couple of scrums and driving mauls were well in the game.

“The ball we did get was difficult to make good use of in our backs as it was slimy and wet and difficult to hold onto.

“I’m sure that on a dry pitch on another day there would have been a different outcome as we could have got our backs running.”

Braintree coach Brian Joslin added: “It was a tough day and it would be fair to say the heavy conditions suited Basildon much more than us.

“For the first 20 minutes we found ourselves on the back foot, conceding numerous penalties which allowed Basildon plenty of front-foot ball which their powerful pack took full advantage of.

“Results speak for themselves and this season they deserve to win league, but I was pleased with our effort and positive attitude in appalling conditions.”

Braintree return to London League division three Essex action on Saturday when they entertain fourth-placed East London in a rearranged fixture.