MILLWALL 32

CLACTON 15

Essex League division one

BOTH of Clacton's teams were in action on Saturday for what were the opening fixtures in their respective leagues for 2019/20.

The first XV made what will prove their longest trip of the season when they travelled to the Isle of Dogs in London's East End to take on Millwall.

Two warm-up games against Braintree and Colchester had previously been played but the results counted for nothing in the league.

The side have a new captain, with Tom Cox completing his progression from the youth section some seven years ago. Unfortunately, his side went down by four tries to two, with the Clacton scores coming from Aaron Redpath and the captain himself.

The final Seasiders tally included a penalty and a conversion. Despite the losing scoreline, Cox felt the side showed plenty of promise for the months ahead and put the reverse down to some basic errors.

The side are on the road again this week when they travel to Dagenham.

Kick-off is at 3pm.

CLACTON KESTRELS 59

COLCHESTER V 24

Eastern Counties League

division three south

WHILE the first XV were playing in the capital, the Kestrels opened their programme with a game at Vista Road against Colchester.

Like rugby players everywhere, they'd been hoping for some rain during the week to soften the pitches.

However, it was not to be and both sides did well in the warm sunshine on a rock-hard pitch.

Nobody was quite certain of the final score but the one recorded by the match referee, and the one reported to the authorities, was a 59-24 win for the home side and a try-count of 9-4.

Simon Anderson, Dan Land, Billy Matthews, Nick Evans, Steve Baldock, Jack Williams, Nick Evans, Josh Allen and Ben Buxey claimed the Kestrels' tries, while Richie Turner knocked over seven conversions.

The Kestrels are also away next week but they have the relatively short trip to Mistley to take on the local Marauders.

Kick-off at Furze Hill is also at 3pm.