Halstead Templars recorded their first Greene King Eastern Counties League division three south win since October when they secured a comprehensive 43-0 win at Clacton Kestrels.

The Templars’ only points since their home win against the same opponents on October 18 had come when opposing teams had failed to field teams against them and they had been handed victories by default.

So it was a relief for them to get back to winning ways on the pitch and Aeron Stubbs, who was standing in as team manager in the absence of Barry Poulter on the day, was delighted with the strong team performance.

He said: “It was an absolute pleasure to watch the first half and be part of the game in the second half. It was our strongest ruck and defensive display in some time, which reflected on the scoreboard.

“However, credit must go to Clacton, who had 14 players for the majority of the game and their players never gave up for their cause.”

Templars will now be looking to build on their success, however, they have been frustrated by a postponement of tomorrow’s scheduled fixture against Sudbury seconds.

The eagerly-anticiapated league game has had to be rearranged at a future date which is still to be confirmed.

It means Halstead’s next game is a home fixture against an improving Woodbridge seconds team on February 21.