T-BIRDS centre India Harvey says the team are incredibly frustrated to have just missed out promotion to rugby’s top flight.

But she insists her team-mates are now more determined than ever to make the step up into the Premiership.

The T-Birds let slip a 17-0 lead in Sunday’s winner-takes-it-all play-off against Aylesford Bulls to lose 22-17 after extra time.

A win against Premiership side Aylesford would have seen Thurrock, who won the Conference South at a canter, replace them in the top division.

And the Hockley based Harvey is already keen to make amends.

“We are more determined than ever now,” said Harvey, 22.

“This happened to us two years ago and we knew we had two years in the Championship as the Premiership was locked for the World Cup.

“We won the Championship both years after that but this time we only have one year and operation Prem has already started again.

“To be honest we aren't learning anything playing in the Championship as beating teams 100-0 isn't doing anything for our development.

“We need to start competing with the best teams in England and we’re fired up to make that happen.”

The T-Birds went into Sunday’s game, which was played at Cobham, having won the Championship South by an incredible 25 points.

The side had fought hard to win all 14 of their games, scoring 684 points and conceding 62 points.

In comparison, Aylesford had lost 13 of their 14 outings, scored just 94 points and conceded 754.

But it will still be Aylesford staying in the top division next season after they triumphed in the play-off, much to the disappointment of Harvey.

“The game was incredibly frustrating,” said the former Westcliff star who was joined in the side by Hockley’s Rachel French and Charlotte Micallef.

“Being 17-0 up early in the second half and letting the lead slip away was mentally tough to come back from.

“Aylesford scored with the last play of the game but missed the conversation which took it to extra time.

“But, unfortunately defending for the majority of extra time allowed our fitness to slip and they scored with two minutes to go.

“The team were absolutely gutted, but we are a really close team and this is something we will build from.”

Claire Phelps and Sophia Jordan both bagged tries for the T-Birds who were also awarded a penalty try and had around 300 supporters roaring them on.

But, despite not being able to hold on to their lead, Harvey remains full of praise for her team’s achievements this season.

“I am incredibly proud of the team, not only the 15 that played but the whole 22,” said Harvey.

“We have worked so hard this season, winning every game with bonus points and comfortably winning the league.

“The result didn’t go our way on Sunday but the team and coaches are incredibly proud of our commitment throughout the year.

“We’ve been bombarded with injuries but every player has stepped up to fill the shirt they put on, on game day.

“We will stick together and go again next season because this is an incredible club with many England players who will still be staying even though we were not promoted."