MALDON celebrated a hard-fought 35-24 victory from their sternest Essex League division one test so far, at Writtle Wanderers.

It means they are still unbeaten.

Hard hits on the Writtle catcher, followed by Maldon forwards driving on, forced the hosts to concede the first scrum.

The scrum itself was a tightly-fought contest, with Maldon props John Read and Chris Roper being tested against strong opposition.

Rising to the challenge, the stable platform of the scrum provided the first try of the game as fly-half Jack White took the ball down the blindside to score in the corner.

Despite Writtle conceding first, they were the ones in firm control in the first half.

After a return score, they continued applying pressure within Maldon’s 22.

Maldon often buckled by conceding needless penalties, which Writtle capitalised on by converting from the tee to pull away.

Writtle’s advantage grew before the half as winger Ryan Patel was given ten minutes in the bin for an apparent infringement at the break down.

At half-time, Maldon captain Sam Delderfield-King called for calm and to start playing more clinical at the breakdown to regain control.

The second half soon saw the Maldon resurgence.

From a short lineout, Maldon’s forwards took control with back-row Hez Crane punching a hole in the Writtle line, as first receiver.

A quick ruck by second-row James Hodson saw prop Chris Roper gathering the ball to score.

Maldon began to apply a more aggressive approach, in both attack and defence.

Centre Owen Preece led by example, cutting his opposite man down with force.

Another try from full-back Brad White soon came to put Maldon ahead, but Writtle's game wasn't lost as soon a breakaway try was scored from a Maldon handling error.

This gifted Writtle’s pacey centre a run of the field to score.

Writtle added another penalty and appeared to be closing the game out.

However, Maldon’s tempo increased and a run from back row Brendan Bignall saw him touch down to draw Maldon close, followed moments later with a penalty kick by Preece to put them ahead.

Maldon didn't let off the pressure and showed how to close out the game, with another setpiece platform providing the ball out wide for Preece to score and seal the win.

Man-of-the-match went to the hard-working Crane.

Next Saturday sees the biggest game of the Essex League 1B season so far as the two unbeaten teams - Maldon and Braintree - meet at Drapers Farm (3pm).