BASILDON added to an already memorable day by beating Maldon 41-26.

The London Three Essex champions were presented with their title winning prize at the final whistle.

And for Basildon’s first team manager Mark Farrell, it was a fitting way for his side to sign off at home.

“It was a good game to watch and full credit to a spirited Maldon side who came to Basildon and never gave up,” said Farrell.

“But league positions do not lie and we showed exactly why we finished this campaign as league champions.

“We fought hard for the ball and executed some very well made tries.

“Taylor Bramley’s charge down the touch line to score will stay with me forever, and I’m sure he will make sure we don’t forget too!

“It was a very pleasing day and night for Basildon and it was a fitting end to our home games.

“But saying that, our minds quickly turn to our last game, away to Mavericks”.

Basildon broke the deadlock when a fine break from Sam Ridley resulted in 18-year-old Danny Barnes sprinting through to score a try.

Moments later, Ridley again turned provider as his huge kick forward which enabled Levi Causton to tee up scrum half Daniel Rowley for his 15th try of the season.

Ridley added the conversion to put Basildon 12-0 in front before hooker Jon Berry picked out Robin Groves from another successful line-out.

The subsequent drive took Basildon forward and enabled Rich Heywood to burst his way through two defenders to score.

From the resulting restart, Basildon soon scored again with open-side Mitchell Cairns freeing himself from a ruck to touch down.

But, with half-time looming, Basildon were reduced to 14 men when Elliott Williams was shown a red card for contact with the head.

Maldon immediately replied with a try of their own but, after the break, Bramley bagged Basildon’s try of the year as he charged from 25 metres out to score.

Tries from Barnes and Long - which were again both created by Ridley - increased Basildon’s lead with Ridley also added the extras,

However, Maldon continued to fight and were rewarded with two more tries of their own late on.

But the day still belonged to Basildon, much to the delight of their head coach Mark Cuschieri.

“We showed our class,” said Cuschieri.

“Our forwards took control, our midfield managed the game, our backs attacked with gusto and defended like lions.”