ESSEX’S men’s rugby team suffered late heartbreak in their bid to reach Twickenham.

Victory against Buckinghamshire would have seen Essex lining up at the world famous home of English rugby in the final.

However, Buckinghamshire scored a match-winning try with the final play of the game to leave Essex’s head coach Tony Woods a frustrated figure at the final whistle.

“It was obviously very disappointing to lose right at the end and to have been so close to getting to Twickenham,” said Woods.

“The group understandably felt the same way but they were also determined to stay positive.a “We all know that if we stay together and keep the nucleus of this squad then we have a real chance of going one or hopefully even two better next year.”

Essex started their campaign with a convincing 37-8 win against the combined Notts, Lincs and Derbyshire side 37-8 before also seeing off Oxfordshire 30-29 in an exciting contest.

Victory in Saturday’s clash at East London Rugby Club would therefore have secured a place in the final.

But Essex got off to the worst possible start as Buckinghamshire raced into an early 15-0 lead.

A try from Southend Saxons skipper Marcus Bloomberg got Essex back into the game before number eight Paul Bradley touched down twice in quick succession.

And, with Southend fly-half Brad Burr adding a conversion, the hosts led 17-15 heading into the final few seconds when a sustained spell of Buckinghamshire pressure was rewarded with a last gasp converted try.

But Woods was also quick to praise Buckinghamshire’s display.

“I think you have to give them credit for the way they played,” said Woods.

“They had clearly done their homework on us and kept the ball away from us whenever they could. After a slow start we got ourselves going and looked like winning the game until a late spell of Buckinghamshire pressure.”

However, Woods remains proud of his side’s season.

“I think we’ve been fantastic and we’ve definitely improved,” said Woods. “We’ve raised the profile of the county team and brought in new players which we’ll look to do again next year.”