CLACTON Cannons produced one of their best performances of the season and showed their rapid progress in another derby match against Colchester Bulls.

Having lost by 12 points in the sides' first meeting, a solid and committed performance meant their defeat second-time around was only in single digits, 65-59.

It's also worth noting that they were ahead for large periods of the game and never trailed by more than eight points.

Despite the loss, coach Chris Tight said: "It was one of the best performances so far this season and the players should make no mistake about the high standard of team they were up against."

The theme of the game was defence - to a high standard - and both teams were outstanding when they didn't have possession.

Their defiance, effort, desire and teamwork were there for all to see.

When it did come to the offensive end, the teams had very different approaches.

The Bulls attempted to control the game and they moved the ball, and themselves, around very well and very deliberately, in order to create most of their scores.

The Cannons, in contrast, were always looking to score fast and push the ball up court.

When they did manage to increase the tempo, they scored on almost every possession and often two or three times without reply.

Riley Taylor and Peter Ellis combined to score almost 30 points between them, while Ben Wilkins scored with his first shot of the game, after sitting patiently waiting for his time to come on and impress.

The Cannons can head into the break very pleased with themselves, after securing three victories and putting on a run of quality performances during the first-half of the Suffolk Senior League season.