Congratulations have been coming from all around the world following Essex Eels' first ever National League victory at the weekend.

After 10 straight defeats the Eels finally broke their duck with a nerve-wracking 34-22 success over Carlisle Centurions.

And head coach Stuart Hogg has been overwhelmed with the response the fast-growing club has enjoyed this week.

"We've been getting e-mails, phone calls and text messages from all over the world after Saturday's game," he said.

"The response has been amazing and it shows how quickly word has spread about this club. Now we are looking to kick on from Saturday's win. It's taken a long time, but hopefully we won't have to wait long for the next one."

Published Wednesday July 14, 2004

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