Team of the year: Southend Rugby Club

10:00am Friday 22nd February 2008

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SOUTHEND Rugby Club continued their string of successes by being named the Echo's Team of the Year.

The Seasiders, who won National Three League Three South last season, are now playing at the highest level in their history.

And their coach Kevin Harman was full of smiles after being handed the award by former Tottenham Hotspur defender Justin Edinburgh.

"I'm not normally one to look back but 2007 was a great year and we're delighted to have won this award," said Harman.

"We won the league which was the main highlight and we're now in the country's top 40 rugby teams.

"The players deserve real credit for what they've done because they have done the club and the whole of Southend proud."

Harman was joined on the night by the whole of his side including top point scorer Andrew Frost and star centre Faapulou Soolefai.

And they all enjoyed the occasion.

"Sport has always played a big part in my life and I think it should inmost people's, so things like this which promote local sport and bring everyone together are brilliant," added Harman.

"The numbers here show how popular sport is around here too and it's been very enjoyable for us."

Southend captain Andrew McClintock was also in attendance and was just as pleased as Harman to see his side named as winners.

"Winning the league like we did was massive for us," said the skipper.

"It put us up to where we belong and we're having a good crack at this season too.

"It's nice that people have recognised that and voted for us as winners at these awards.

"It's been a very enjoyable evening which has been very well supported by everyone."

TOP THREE 1st - Southend Rugby Club 34% 2nd - Southend High School for Boys (Athletics Team) 33% 3rd - South Woodham In-line Rollerspeed Team 18%