Braintree Rugby Club head coach Brian Joslin feels his team’s progress this year shows they made the right decision to drop into Essex League division one.

The Black and Ambers concluded their season with a 55-15 win against Canvey Island at Robbs Wood as they finished third in the division one table.

It has been an up and down season after a storming start – when Braintree won all ten of their opening league fixtures – followed by a more mixed time after Christmas and Joslin feels it shows they are playing at the right level.

However, he was delighted to see the team go out on a high and can see the potential now at the club to push back up to higher levels.

He said: “I was very pleased with the lads against Canvey.

“Neil Fitzearle and Lee Turner in the forwards both had strong games and James Abbott was the pick of the backs, particularly as he deputised so effectively with the boot.

“Tom Carslake marshalled the side superbly as skipper, as he has done all season, and deserves a great deal of credit.

“Looking back, we can take a lot of positives from this season.

“We’ve gone from struggling to field a first team last season to now regularly fielding two senior sides and a Colts side.

“Despite choosing to drop two leagues last season I personally think we are playing at the correct level now, but with a little more work and commitment we can push on up.”