CHAIRMAN Andy Smith believes Halstead Templars' "superb achievement" this year can act as a stepping stone to further success in the future.

Halstead's rugby players have just completed the most successful campaign in their eight-year history by claiming the Greene King Eastern Counties League division two south title and also winning the Suffolk RFU Plate.

It was the first time that the Templars had enjoyed either a cup or league triumph and Smith felt the successes were credit to everyone connected with the club.

However, he is keen for the momentum that has been built up this year to be continued into future campaigns.

"This definitely has to be a stepping stone for the club now," said the Halstead chairman.

"We have reached a stage this season where there were times when we could have fielded a second team so we have depth in the club and we have to consolidate this achievement now.

"We know we are going up to a higher league next season where there will be teams looking to put us in our place but hopefully this league win can persuade even more young lads from the Halstead area to join us.

"We are a real family club and we're looking to build on this on now."

Halstead's league victory was particularly sweet for the club as they wrapped up the title with two games still to play and were defeat just twice throughout the whole division two south season.

That saw them finish significantly clear of the chasing pack and Smith was especially pleased for the Templars stalwarts who have led them forward from their infancy.

Smith added: "The league win is a superb achievement for the club and I'm so proud of everyone connected with the Templars both on and off the pitch.

"It's not just the players, it is everyone who should take credit for this - the committee, medical staff, physios - every single member should be proud.

"We claimed the title with two games to go and that was something special.

"It was particularly pleasing to win it in the game against Colchester as they have been a big bogey team for us over the last few years.

"It would have been wonderful to win it in any game, but even more so against them.

"There have been a lot of young lads come into the team, but we also have our elder statesmen - people like Ed Merry, Adi Illingworth and Craig Trevain - who have been playing for years and it's nice for them to be able to say they were part of that team that won the league for Halstead."