BASILDON stayed top of the London Three Essex standings after winning 42-20 at title rivals Braintree.

The win was Basildon’s fifth in a row and pleased their first team manager Mark Farrell.

“This game was all about power and we saw a strong performance from a side that is getting better every week but has still not played at its best,” said Farrell.

“We found ourselves up against a well organised Braintree side but once we got in front our powerful game was just too good for them.”

Tries from Jim Harman and Levi Causton saw Basildon tied 10-10 at the break.

But they dominated the second half with Lee Amman, Justin Allen and Harman all scoring tries while Basildon were also awarded a penalty try.

Sam Ridley was also in fine form with the boot as Basildon held on to win despite a late red card for Brad Long.