Eleven tries - eight of them in the second half - ensured Clacton RFC grabbed the Essex League division two title in their final league game by a superior points difference.

Both the Seasiders and Thames have gone through the season with just one defeat each, but Clacton's points difference is 332 compared to the South Ockendon club's 301.

The visitors went into Saturday's match against bottom-of-the-table Witham knowing that a big points win was required.

They made the perfect start when Shane Jerram powered over the line in the third minute, leaving Darren Tully a comfortable conversion.

Clacton then proceeded to put Witham under some heavy pressure, but they couldn't force their way through, and when a penalty was awarded, 25 metres out, Tully kicked the three points on offer.

Witham came back, and tried to score some points with a drop-goal. However, the attempt failed.

Jake Buxey extended the lead on 22 minutes when he outpaced the Witham defence for a try in the left corner, and his brother and captain, Ben, repeated the feat ten minutes later to give Clacton a 20-0 half-time lead.

During the break, Billy White came on as a replacement for Lee Turner.

It took the Seasiders five minutes to add to their score and it was helped by a fortuitous bounce of the ball.

Dave Green volleyed it forward, and Jake Buxey's pace took him in under the posts.

A tiring Witham had little answer and full-back Tully raced 70 metres before touching the ball under the posts with still half an hour to play.

The final 30 minutes was a procession as White raced through for try number six, before left winger Grant Jarmain grabbed two tries in three minutes.

He was promptly replaced by Josh Griggs, but still the scores came as Ben Buxey and then Tully brought up the double figures.

Tully's try was set-up by Tom Dearsley just when it looked as if the winger was going to get a deserved score for himself.

The final try of the day came three minutes from the end when hooker Darren Hotten ran from the half-way line.

The final whistle sparked off scenes of celebration for both the players and the travelling supporters.

It was difficult to pick the Clacton man-of-the-match, with some sterling performances from all of the pack. However, the final nod for the Lonsdale Landscapes award went to scrum-half Richard Brannan. It was also a fitting leaving gift to coach Trevor Cottee, who is having to relinquish his role due to a posting abroad.