BRAINTREE Rugby Club held their annual awards and dinner dance and there was plenty to celebrate this year.

The club claimed the Essex League division one premier title by winning all 22 league games plus the Essex President's Shield in a thrilling final against Maldon.

Going undefeated in the League is unprecedented in the club's history and the double made it even better.

In all, 38 players represented the first XV, playing some scintillating rugby and scoring 1,127 points at an average of 43.5 points per game.

In recognition of the fact that it is not just the players who made this possible, the senior coaching team were awarded the Outstanding Achievement award.

Club captain John Smillie was awarded the Clubman of the Year for his enthusiasm on and off the pitch, joining the Academy for fitness training, and his willingness to lend a hand in club activities.

The most promising Academy player award went to Henry Irving, who just recently played his first games of senior rugby, having come up through the junior section.

The second XV also had a successful year, reaching two finals, the John Alder Second XV Trophy and the Merit League Two Plate.

Most appearances was Luke Markey with 24, Dan Olley scored the most points with 53 and Joss Adams with the most tries with seven.

The second XV Player of the Year award went to Neil Richards.

The Most Improved Player throughout the Club went to Wes Apps, whose game improved to the extent that he became one of the first names on the firsts' team sheet.

Top try scorer for the firsts was James Abbott with 23 and Craig Willis received the first XV Player of the Year after an amazing season.

He made more appearances for them than anyone else, playing 24 times scoring 329 points.

Following a year of successes throughout the club, Braintree will be looking to improve again next season, and welcome all new players of any ability and age, from age four up to veterans.

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