White Ensign are the champions of the Essex Intermediate League's Senior Division Two -- in their first season of playing at that level.

After many years of domination in the Hadleigh Carport Southend Borough Combination, Ensign moved up to Intermediate League soccer this term -- and have proved a big hit.

They clinched their championship success, with three matches still to play, with a 2-0 win at Benfleet on Saturday.

Both goals came from Doug Wilkins, the first a header and the second a penalty after Paul Benson had been floored in the area.

Ensign will receive the championship trophy tomorrow night at Eastwoodbury Lane after they've played Met Pol Chigwell (7.45pm kick-off).

They now move up to the highest level, Senior Division One, with strong hopes of continuing their success story.

Ensign's Alan Day said: "We've beaten five Division One sides, including champions Bishop's Stortford Swifts, in various cup competitions this term so we have to be confident."

The title success capped a great year for Ensign in which, after triumphing in the pre-season Carradus Cup, they also took the national Cherry Red Books Trophy, the Senior League Cup and Senior Southend Charity Competition.

Published Monday, May 19, 2003

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