BRAINTREE Rugby Club joint coach Brian Joslin was pleased to see his team end the year with a dominant derby win, but he knows stiffer tests lie in wait as they chase the Essex League division one B title in 2017.

The Black and Ambers closed out a perfect first half to the league campaign with an 86-3 win at struggling Witham when they proved too much for their hosts.

Joslin said: “It was a good way to end 2016, especially with a much changed side and the whole squad contributing to victory again

“Witham deserve great credit for fulfilling the fixture and sticking to their task until the very end, but the boys all know we face a lot harder tests in the New Year.”

Braintree's win at Witham was their 11th straight victory in the Essex League as they ended 2016 sitting 12 points clear at the top of the division one B table.

Chairman of selectors David Gilder singled out debutants Joslin, Henry James and Neil Richards for particular praise in a game where the result was never in doubt, but a job needed to be done.

He said: “It was a rather strange day’s rugby in the worsening foggy and dreary conditions what with us deciding to drop two players to the bench to keep the game a contest.

“We were far too strong for them in the forwards and the backs were able to run through Witham at will, but credit to them for keeping going and showing good team spirit.”

Braintree can now look forward to enjoying their festive break before returning to action on January 7 with a home fixture against second-placed Clacton.