BASILDON have been crowned Essex Three champions - despite suffering a shock 32-24 defeat at Clacton.

The unexpected reverse ended a 12 match winning streak for Basildon.

But Millwall’s defeat at Campion clinched the title for Basildon and first team manager Mark Farrell was quick to praise his players.

“On the pitch on Saturday it was a difficult day but the changing room mood soon changed when we found out Millwall had lost and we had in fact won the league, which is a huge achievement,” said Farrell.

“We have now won the league with two games left to play and this is our first league championship victory in seven years, so we’re delighted.”

Basildon remain eight points clear at the top of the table but could not extend that lead at the weekend despite two tries for scrum half Daniel Rowley, who has now touched down 14 times this season.

Hooker Jon Berry also bagged two tries, while captain Jim Harman worked his way onto the scoresheet too.

Fly half Sam Ridley added two conversions but it was not enough to overcome a determined a Clacton side.

And Farrell was keen to point out the defeat should not take anything away from Basildon’s achievement.

“The league is not about one game, it’s about getting over the finish line and on Saturday we did just that,” said Farrell.

“We have played well over our last 16 games, winning 12 of them on the trot and this was our first loss since September.

“We have sat on top of the league since October and now won the league with two games to spare.

“It’s a huge achievement for a team that only two seasons ago lost every game they played in so they are to be congratulated on a job well done.”

But Farrell was also keen to thank those behind the scenes who have also played a key part in the club’s success this season.

“The players and coaching staff have been well supported by the club, in particular the officers who have had the vision to set out a solid pathway for this club,” said Farrell.

“With our substantial youth framework in place and working very well and our senior rugby coaches bringing in new training methods and a new structure to how we play our rugby, the future for the club looks bright.

“Winning this league as champions and going into London Two North East is step one in a process that I hope will take Basildon even further up the rugby ladder.”