CLACTON Rugby Club succumbed to a heavy 59-5 defeat at Stowmarket.

They produced another whole-hearted display but remain rooted to the bottom of the London League division three north-east table.

Team selection is becoming difficult and it was left to stalwarts Jem Lonsdale and Alan Lee to ensure there was a full complement on the bus.

Clacton fell behind within four minutes.

An ambitious long ball at their own line-out then saw the Seasiders concede a second try.

Aaron Redpath pulled a penalty wide and it was the home side who went on to score their third try.

The next two tries were both disputed by Clacton.

Despite being 33-0 down, the Seasiders still pushed forward and enjoyed real territorial advantage.

However, they could not contend with the pace of the home side and conceded a sixth try at the end of the first half.

Clacton kept battling but two more tries were conceded after the break.

The visitors were rewarded for their efforts right at the end, when a period of pressure was rounded off with a try by Dave Hitchin.

Clacton host Wanstead on Saturday (kick-off 2.30pm).

Clacton’s Kestrels suffered a 21-0 defeat against Stowmarket’s third team, at Vista Road.

On Saturday they travel to take on Woodbridge’s second team (also 2.30pm).