A WIN on the final day of the season saw Braintree Rugby Club's under-16s complete an unbeaten campaign as they wrapped up the Essex Youth Leagues division one title.

They faced Thurrock - the only other side who were undefeated - in a finale that would see the winner crowned as league champions and, in front of a large crowd, it was Braintree who were celebrating at the end as they completed a 20-7 victory.

With many of the Braintree side having played together since tag rugby, it was a fitting end to their youth time against a side who had tested them consistently over the years.

The touchlines at Robbswood were three deep with spectators and it was pretty even in the early exchanges, however, Braintree settled first and strong running from the forwards saw Sam Stinton power over for a try.

Braintree were starting to find a little rhythm and they put some consistent phases of play together and were camped in the Thurrock 22 for prolonged periods.

In the end the breakthrough came from a neat kick through which Loe Jessop collected and touched down for Braintree's second and although Thurrock replied with a converted try, the hosts led 10-7 at half-time.

The game was still in the balance after the break, but Braintree showed astute game management, playing the ball in the right areas with both forwards and backs keeping the momentum firmly with the home side.

The stalemate in the second half was eventually broken when some strong running in the backs created the overlap out wide and saw Harry McLagan collect the flat gain-line pass to cross the line.

Pressure was maintained on the Thurrock line and the home side were thwarted on a number of occasions, but that eventually told and Jack Brand went over to take the try count to four and secure the win that gave Braintree the title.