LONDON Three Essex champions Basildon ended the season with a shock 49-17 defeat at Mavericks.

The setback was table-topping Basildon’s third in 18 games this term.

And Basildon’s fly-half Sam Ridley felt Mavericks were worthy winners.

“Understandably it’s always disappointing to come away with a loss but Mavericks were the better side on the day,” said Ridley.

“They’re a young side who took the game to us and came away as deserved winners.”

Basildon had already been assured of the title ahead of Saturday’s clash.

But Ridley refused to use that as an excuse.

“Despite there being nothing to play for you always want to win,” said Ridley.

“But we were missing quite a few key players and that affected the way we played.

“It’s been a long season so you’re carrying injuries and little niggles that affect the way you play, but fair play to Mavericks who showed that they are a very competitive side who don’t deserve to be at the bottom of the table.”

However, Ridley does not want the defeat to overshadow Basildon’s success this season.

“I’m incredibly proud of the club and the first team,” said Ridley.

“It’s been the most memorable season of my career and to share it with a great bunch of lads has been fantastic. Just a few seasons ago I experienced the lows of relegation with pretty much the same team we have now, so to be able to turn that around has been excellent. I couldn’t have asked for much more from the boys.”