CLACTON Rugby Club coach Matt Mahoney believes the emergence of young talent has been a major positive during a “very difficult” first half of the season.

The Seasiders were promoted last season but currently sit rock bottom of London League division three north-east, losing ten of their 12 fixtures.

Things are not about to get any easier, with a trip to unbeaten leaders Sudbury looming large on Saturday.

Mahoney admits his side’s chances of dodging the drop and climbing out of the bottom three are slim.

But he says the development of the club’s best young players has been the most pleasing aspect of a tricky first half of the season.

“It’s been very hard so far and I’m sure it will stay that way until the end,” he said.

"But the most pleasing thing, and the big positive, has been the emergence of our best young players.

“They’ve made a big impact and in terms of personal development, they’ll be better players by the end of the season.

“This experience will stand them in good stead for the future."