A derby day disappointment has left Braintree Rugby Club’s players realising they have work to do if they are to prosper in London League division two north east this year.

Following an encouraging display at Enfield Ignatians the week before, Braintree were beaten 63-14 by neighbours Chelmsford at Robbs Wood.

While he admitted Chelmsford were worthy winners, Braintree joint coach Brian Joslin said he wanted to see improvements from their players before they meet their local rivals in the return fixture later in the season.

Joslin said: “Chelmsford were worthy winners.

“They’re a very well structured and conditioned side and they had too much for us.

“They’ve set the benchmark for the season even at this early stage of the campaign.

“Our players all recognise they have a lot of work to do if they’re to make an impact in this league and we want to make sure that we give them a much tougher game in the return fixture.

“There were few positives for us to take from the game as James Moore and James Abbott played well in the centres together and young Dan Olley scored a great try after coming on for his home debut.”

The defeat left Braintree still looking for their first win of the season.