BASILDON stayed top of the London Three Essex standings with a convincing 43-12 win against Mavericks.

The victory was Basildon’s sixth in seven games in what has been a promising season so far.

And skipper Jim Harman was happy with how his side were able to brush aside their opponents who are currently bottom of the table.

“Saturday had the potential to be a very tricky game,” said Harman.

“It was against a team we have not played in a league competition before and one where, on paper, we should be heavily favoured to win.

“But I was pleased that my team didn’t take anything for granted, and we were able to execute a lot of what we have been working on to come away with maximum points which kept us on top of the table.”

The win means the league leaders remain a point clear of second placed Millwall.

And Harman - who has been with Basildon since 1995 - has been thrilled by his side’s season so far.

“Barring the very mixed away performance at Millwall, I’ve been very pleased with the start of the season,” said Harman.

“Of course, the results to this point have gone our way, but even when we’ve found ourselves either behind, or in a rough patch, we’ve managed to stick together and play our way into winning games.

“It’s a good sign for the team that we’ve not been at our best and winning and it’s refreshing that even after a big win this weekend we all agree there’s plenty to work on for the next two weeks heading into the Braintree game.”

Basildon scrum-half Dan Rowley bagged four tries in the weekend’s win and scored a first half hat-trick to put the hosts in control.

Tight-head prop Taylor Bramley also touched down and with fly-half Sam Ridley adding three conversions Basildon led 26-0 at the break.

Rowley scored first for Basildon after the break before full-back Jon Bonnett and prop-forward Harman also touched down to seal the victory.

And Harman now wants Basildon to maintain their push for promotion.

“There’s good coaching here and a strong player base consisting of experienced senior players, and some exciting youngsters who are kicking on and pushing us more senior players to produce our best each week,” said Harman, “Hopefully this continues and we can build on this good start, and keep ourselves in the mix for promotion and the league title come the business end of the season.”