SARACENS legend Kris Chesney is relishing his coaching role with table-topping Basildon.

Chesney works with the club’s forwards.

And he is delighted by the progress being made on the pitch.

“I’m really enjoying it and I’m taking a lot from it too,” said Chesney, who made more than 300 appearances for the Premiership giants during his playing career.

“I’ve known the director of rugby here, Mark Farrell, since I was about 10 and he’s like family to me so I was only too happy to come in and help him out.

“Last season it was just a few consultancy sessions with the forwards, but Mark took on a more full-time role at the start of the season and I’ve become more involved since then.

“The boys are a great group and I knew there was more we could do with them which, thanks to the work of all the coaches here, we’ve seen in the results.”

Basildon have triumphed in 13 of their 14 league games this season and currently top the London Three Essex standings with just four games to go.

But the Thorpe Bay-based Chesney is refusing to take anything for granted.

“There are still some difficult games to go and things could be sticky at times,” said Chesney.

“On paper we maybe have an easier run-in but the teams we’re playing are fighting against relegation so will be fired up for the matches.

“We’re there to be shot at too and everything you do when you’re top of the table tends to be magnified.

“But it’s exciting to be in this position.”

And adding to Chesney’s joy is the improvements being made by the squad.

“We’ve improved the players already here and it’s not as though we’ve brought in a whole new group to work with,” said Chesney.

“All but one of the players are Basildon through and through and that spirit definitely helps.

“We’ve brought people in from the third team and they’re getting the rewards for trusting the coaches and sticking to the game plan.

“We’ve had a few dodgy moments in games but it’s been great to hear the players shouting out about making sure they do things the right way.

“We’ve gone on to win a few games in the final few minutes and that’s why.

“But of course we want to make sure we finish the season strongly now.”

Basildon - who have won their last 13 matches - travel to the bottom of the table Mavericks on Saturday.