BASILDON skipper Jim Harman is urging his side to focus on tomorrow’s match with Maldon and not the after match celebrations.

Champions Basildon will be presented with the London Three Essex trophy following the final whistle this weekend.

But Harman is keen to make the day even more memorable by picking up another victory.

“We want to get the win first and foremost,” said Harman.

“We’re not that excited to be given a trophy or whatever it is because we will have to give it back.

“It’s all about the performance and the feeling once we’re back in the changing room as champions having got a good win in front of all those friends and family members that have supported us.

“But we need to get out on the park Saturday and put in a performance before anything else.”

Table-topping Basildon are currently eight points clear of second placed Millwall with a game in hand.

But Harman is expecting a tough test against a Maldon side who are sixth in the standings.

“We’re expecting Maldon to be at their best and a few weeks ago they beat Millwall so they’re a good side,” said Harman.

“We have to expect they’ll be right up for the game at the weekend.

“But we’re coming of a disappointing result at Clacton, so we have some wrongs of our own to right.”

Basildon were beaten 32-24 by Clacton last time out as their 12 match winning run came to an end.

However, the defeat will not detract from Basildon’s stunning season.

And club president Ron Barnes remains proud of the team’s terrific success.

“I have been attached to the club for quite a number of years and during my time here I have experienced many highs and lows but gaining promotion as champions is one of the best I’ve ever witnessed,” said Barnes.

“It’s not just the way we have played our rugby this season but also the players we have in our side.

“Unlike many clubs, we choose to promote our youth system and nurture our own home grown players, the proof of which can be seen in Saturday’s side with 13 of our starting 15 coming from our youth ranks.”

And Barnes has also been impressed by Basildon’s group of coaches.

“The lads have been superbly supported by first team manager Mark Farrell and coached by an excellent pair of rugby coaches, Mark Cuschieri and Kris Chesney,” said Barnes.

“In their full first season at our club, this management team have brought a wealth of experience and with it a new way of training and playing our rugby which we’re reaping benefits from.

“It’s been great.”