BASILDON’S Tom Einchcomb will end three months of injury frustration when he returns to action in tomorrow’s crunch clash against Braintree.

The London Three Essex leaders host their third-placed rivals this weekend.

And Einchcomb - who has been out of action for the past three months with a broken jaw - cannot wait to be back on the pitch.

“I’m absolutely itching to get back out on the pitch with the boys this weekend,” said the powerful back row.

“Nothing compares to a real game atmosphere and intensity, so I’m chomping at the bit to get stuck in again.”

Eincomb picked up the injury during Basildon’s 34-7 win at Canvey Island in December.

And he was disappointed to be forced onto the sidelines.

“It has been incredibly frustrating being sidelined for the last three months with a double break in my jaw,” said Einchcomb.

“It’s been a long and hard journey getting back to full strength and fitness, but I kept the light at the end of the tunnel in mind the whole way through and I’m happy to say it’s made me stronger mentally and physically.”

Einchcomb will now be attempting to show that this weekend.

And he is keen to secure victory in an incredibly important clash for title-chasing Basildon.

“This week’s game against Braintree carries significant importance, as does any other game going into the closing stages of the season,” said Einchcomb.

“Promotion was always the goal for us as a squad, but the job is not done yet.

“We’ve still got some work to do to close out our season and Braintree will be another stern test.”

However, Basildon head into the game sitting nine points clear at the top of the table after securing 13 victories in succession.

And Einchcomb wants the fine run to continue until the end of the season.

“Our hopes for these last few fixtures of the league are to finish the season strongly and to build a solid foundation for next season when, hopefully, we will be in London Two North East,” said Einchcomb.

“Promotion is always the ultimate prize for a team and it’s a real possibility at this point if we can carry on working hard at training and performing well on the weekends.”

Basildon also have captain Jim Harman back in action this weekend, while new signing Josh Laming will make his debut on the wing.

Laming, who signed from Bancroft, has scored four tries in two games for Basildon’s development side and will now be eager to impress in the first team.

Zac Bainbridge will also start at full-back.