Wanstead seal title with stylish victory (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Wanstead seal title with stylish victory

12:11pm Wednesday 8th April 2009 in

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WANSTEAD were crowned Essex One champions after a thumping 57-7 win over Thames on the final day of the season ensured they beat off a late surge from the chasing pack.

It was a fitting end for the Herons, who have swept aside almost everything in their path during a campaign that has produced a staggering total of 561 points from their 18 games, at an average of more than 30 points a match.

The team have stormed into the London 4 North East division, and, after a season of pure domination, captain Rob Seltzer is adamant that his troops can withstand anything their opponents’ will throw at them next year, and return it with interest.

“We played some excellent rugby in the first half and that put us out of sight. We knew that we’d done it and there were some big celebrations after the final whistle,” he said.

“It was such a huge relief, because we knew that Campion could have caught us with a big win, had we slipped up.

“Next season is going to be a big step up but we will add to the squad and I’m confident that we will more than hold our own. We won’t be the whipping boys of the league.

“The team have been fantastic to a man and they’ve played some great rugby. It’s been such a huge turnaround after all the disappointments of last year. It’s great.”

Everyone was keen to get in on the act as Wanstead closed out the season with a bang.

Thames were merely the props as the hosts took centre stage.

Andy Donavon weighed in with a hat-trick of tries, while Nick Andrews bagged himself a brace.

The Herons were rampant, with Paul Casey firing over the posts at will, while there were also scores for Dave Moran, Scott Ross and Atilla Ayican.

Meanwhile, Bancroft’s valiant efforts to gatecrash the promotion party proved to be in vain, although they managed to finish with a flourish at local rivals Ilford Wanderers, as they ran out 43-18 victors.

Tries from Peter Robinson (2), Matt Barrett (2), Adam Capon, John Cruddace, Andy Goldsworthy and four conversions by Tom Farrow saw the Bs home as they finished with a flourish.

There was huge disappointment for Upper Clapton, who were relegated to Essex Two after a miserable season.

However, they almost caused a huge upset, as they took third-placed Clacton to the wire, eventually succumbing 34-24.