Mersea Island started 2005 with a lacklustre home performance against Basildon.

With gale force winds, playing conditions were very difficult for both sides and restricted any chance of expansive running rugby.

Having not played for nearly three weeks, Mersea looked rusty and showed a lack of sharpness.

From the kick-off, the visitors quickly reacted to the elements, frustrating the Islanders and forcing them into acts of indiscipline which ultimately cost them dear.

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Published Tuesday, January 11, 2005

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