Epping Upper Clapton fell to a 41-19 defeat in their re-arranged London 2 North West match against high-flying Southwold.

Defeat kept them bottom of the table without a win all season, while the visitors keep pace with Norwich at the top of the table.

Within four minutes, Clapton fashioned their first opportunity of the game and scored arguably their try of the season when George Cook played in young winger Lewis Morgan-Jones, who beat the defence to run in from 40 metres. George Douglass’ conversion made it 7-0.

Southwold, though, replied strongly and notched their first try in the corner soon after the restart before taking the lead midway through the half.

A third try before the break extended their advantage, but Clapton remained in the game as Douglass added a five-point score shortly before the whistle.

The game got away from Clapton in the second half, and even though the visitors only had a penalty goal to show for their second half superiority with five minutes to go, they added a couple of further scores in the dying moments to run out 41-12 victors.

Next up for Clapton is the visit of fellow strugglers Holt this weekend.