The maroon and blues scored three tries in the match played at Thurrock RFC and were ahead at half-time, but lost out to physically bigger opponents in the second half.

Director of Rugby Eddie Gooby: “I am proud of the effort we put in on a very warm day. We fell short in a few areas but we have had a great season. Congratulations to Upminster on their victory.”

East London’s tries came from full back Luca Rizzo, scrum-half Dave Cohen, and inside centre Antoine Louis, who also added a conversion. Skipper Chris Brown accepted the silver plate for finishing runners-up in the competition from Essex RFU Council Member Nick Bracken OBE.

East London 1st XV versus Upminster: 1. Simon Leke; 2. Chris Brown (C); 3. Frazer Wilson; 4. Andy Coleman; 5. Sean Gill; 6. Luke Staples-Preston; 7. Ben Clare; 8. Nick Parrott; 9. Dave Cohen; 10. Matt Shacklady; 11. Hamish Veitch; 12. Antoine Louis; 13. James McGreevy; 14. Kevin O’Donoghue; 15. Luca Rizzo. Replacements: 16. Reece De Oliveira; 17. Dan Roach-Williams; 18. Archie Leport; 19. Bill Brown; 20. Niall O’Shea; 21. Zviko Jabangwe; 22. Josh O’Neill; 23. Jack Rice-Lines.