LEVI Causton is keen to help hurl Basildon to London Three Essex glory this season - after turning his back on a promising hammer throwing career.

The 19-year-old winger was ranked fourth in the country in his previous sport. But Causton is now fully focused on his rugby.

“I joined Basildon at the start of February last year and it was my first time ever playing rugby, but I’ve loved it ever since,” said Causton.

“I had been doing well with the hammer, but I like the physical aspect of the game and also how it’s a team sport.

“I am very appreciative of how Basildon welcomed me, with no experience at all.

“I was put into the first team for a game at Great Yarmouth, playing 20 minutes off the bench.

“I scored with my first touch and then got a hat-trick on my full debut, so it’s been going really well.”

Causton has continued to impress this season, helping Basildon to win 13 of their 14 fixtures to move nine points clear at the top of the table.

But the winger is refusing to get carried away.

“As a team we’re taking it game by game and every game is the same,” said Causton.

“We come out with the same mindset and we stay disciplined.

“We want to carry on our winning streak and enjoy ourselves.”