Beer is so ingrained in the life of the rugby player that the loss of a club's entire stock would normally be seen as a catastrophe to rank alongside the arrival of the four horsemen of the apocalypse.

But Basildon Rugby Club had far worse problems to contend with than the destruction of their beer supplies when fire gutted their club premises a year ago this week.

The blaze at Gardiners Close destroyed an asbestos roof, all the electrical equipment, the bar and the furniture, leaving Basildon at probably the lowest ebb in the club's distinguished history.

Out of the ashes of the disaster, though, has emerged a stronger, fitter rugby club. So much so, in fact, that their ground has been transformed by a community spirit you would be hard-pressed to match anywhere.

Never was this illustrated more than in the immediate aftermath of the fire when players, supporters, and officials rallied together to get the club back on its feet.

With no professional help, they mucked in and transformed the building with an impressive new decor and a new bar.

On top of the help from players and officials, Basildon also had greatly-received offers of aid from London League rivals Rochford and Canvey Island, as well as Basildon schools.

On the field, Basildon finished in their highest ever League position last season (joint 3rd in London League 3NE) and are poised for another high finish after a bright start to this term.

Chairman Barrie Reynolds, an integral member of the clean-up team, believes the aftermath of the fire has seen the club forge a new spirit as they triumphed through adversity.

"At one stage I was scared we'd go under," confessed Reynolds as he surveyed the new premises prior to Saturday's match against Chingford.

"But when I saw the people who came here - some crawling out of the woodwork - and saw their spirit, it was a tremendous boost that people wouldn't allow the club to go under.

"It was refreshing to see people - having already done a day's work - come in here and do a further three or four hours further hard work."

Despite his admirable resolve, Reynolds admits there are still mental scars. "Every time I drive into the club car park I am constantly thinking: 'What am I going to find?' he says.

"There's still that victim mentality. We've upgraded the alarm but there's still that fear."

Nevertheless, anyone who saw Saturday's 33-8 hammering of high-flying Chingford would agree the club is firmly back in full flow. Just as importantly for a rugby club, so is the beer.

Rebirth - Basildon RFC was devastated by fire a year ago (right) but the efforts of dedicated supporters such as Fred Larne (leftt) helped the club to get back on its feet

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.