DESPITE missing a number of key personnel Braintree Rugby Club displayed their promotion credentials with a win against Essex League division one B front-running rivals Maldon.

The Black and Ambers extended their winning start to the season with a 32-17 success at Drapers Farm to open up a five-point lead at the top of the table and joint coach Brian Joslin felt it was a performance that demonstrated Braintree's strength this year.

He said: “We deserved the win and what made it all the more satisfying was that we were missing several key players.

“We had to make five changes in the pack and three in the backs from the Canvey game and to come to Maldon and win shows we've got depth in the club at the moment.”

Braintree chairman of selectors David Gilder added: “We struggled in the line-out but that was only to be expected with all the enforced personnel changes, but everything else about our play was superb.

“The forwards produced an excellent scrummaging performance which allowed us to control the possession.

“Maldon like to put big ball carriers through the ten and 12 channels but the big hits from Josh Hine and Craig Willis had a demoralising effect on that tactic.

“Josh was classy throughout the game and Craig’s kicking was excellent.

"Dominic Dann also had a great game at full-back.”

Braintree are in cup action on Saturday when they travel to Buckhurst Hill to face Bancroft in the second round of the Essex President’s Shield.