Braintree Rugby Club may still be looking for their first win of the London League division two north east season, but they know victories will come if they perform like they did in their 24-22 defeat at Enfield Ignatians.

And they will be hoping that comes sooner rather than later as they prepare for an Essex derby against rivals Chelmsford at Robbs Wood today.

Enfield overturned a 22-10 lead late in their game last weekend to leave Braintree frustrated but the Black and Ambers know their performance was what they will need this year.

Joint coach Brian Joslin said: “It was a much better team performance than the previous week and all the more pleasing considering we fielded a scratch front row.

“The front three were immense, as was Lloyd Hardin when he came on, and it was us who played all the rugby with Enfield being content to maul the life out of the game.

“Fair play to them, they capitalised on their strengths, but we ran them very close and if we can play like that every game then the results will definitely turn in our favour.

“It was very disappointing to see the game slip from our grasp like it did but I’m delighted with the commitment and attitude of the lads who travelled.”

Braintree face a tough local derby today against a Chelmsford side who have already posted two wins at Robbs Wood.