CLACTON Rugby Club were beaten in their Essex League division one contest at Kings Cross Steelers.

Returning to Memorial Park, in West Ham, for the second time in five weeks, they suffered the same outcome as on their previous visit – a defeat – this time 19-12.

Back in October, they had lost to division one table-toppers East London.

However, this time it was the bottom-of-the-table Steelers that inflicted the damage.

In muddy, miserable conditions, Ben Buxey and Shane Jerram managed to score two tries and Elliott Shuttleworth converted one of them for the Seasiders.

However, it was not enough to prevent a disappointing defeat, with the only consolation being a losing bonus point.

Clacton’s Kestrels were also beaten, at Vista Road.

Their original opponents for a friendly should have been Maldon thirds.

However, they had to cry off during the week and so an alternative game was arranged against Braintree twos.

The visitors were comfortable winners, running in five tries, with Matt King recording Clacton’s only score.

The Seasiders must now regroup for Saturday.

The first team are back at Vista Road for an Essex League fixture against Pegasus Palmerians, while the Kestrels travel to Colchester fourths for an Eastern Counties League division three south match.

Both games kick-off at 2.30pm.