Lowestoft & Yarmouth manager Matt Jary believes his side are capable of holding their own in the London Leagues after winning promotion at the weekend.

Lowestoft & Yarmouth manager Matt Jary believes his side are capable of holding their own in the London Leagues after winning promotion at the weekend.

A 44-0 demolition of Woodbridge with No.8 Marc Thomas scoring five tries secured the Eastern Counties One title for L&Y, who have won every league game this season, with three matches still to go.

The Blue and Whites will now join local rivals Beccles, West Norfolk, Wymondham and in all probability Norwich, in London Division Four (NE) and Jary says promotion is just reward for his talented squad.

'I don't think it's too big a step to be honest, and I think the squad and its fringe players are good enough to cope well in the London leagues,' he said.

'The travelling won't be too much more than we already do.

'The team has a nice blend of youth and experience, are strong up front and pacy out wide.

'We will need to learn how to win tight games, close matches out and play for the full eighty minutes rather than be runaway winners each week like this season.'

'I'm immensely proud of the guys. Team unity like this doesn't just happen; everyone has made an effort to pull it all together by training and socialising with each other.

'They're a talented bunch, so it's only their level of determination and dedication which will limit their success.

'I don't believe there is a physical trophy, but I'm sure we'll be celebrating anyway.'

'We hope not to lose any key players over the summer apart from Tom Smith who is going travelling, and we will be looking to attract players in a few key positions too.'

L&Y who play their home matches at Gunton Park in Corton, just north of Lowestoft, have a squad made up of mainly local players who have come up through the ranks and youth system at the club.

Player-coach Scott Nelson, who plays at fly half, said: 'Our number one target for the year was the league title and guaranteed promotion.

'To get it with three games to go is fantastic, but we'd really like to finish the league unbeaten.'

'It is testament that hard work and a good team spirit really does pay off with all the players being from the local area and a number of them coming up from the youth system at the club.

And Jary agreed that the youngsters were key to the future of the flourishing club.

'The key area is in the youth section,' the outside half said.

'Hopefully, local parents will see that there is a nearby alternative to football, where the children can learn the game in a club that is knowledgeable, well run, ambitious and sociable.

'Previously, talented young players may also have opted for clubs further afield, whereas now hopefully they'll have faith and stay at Lowestoft &Yarmouth.'

t The club's gentleman's dinner this year is being held on Friday, April 24.

Last year this event sold out, so order tickets as soon as possible or make a provisional booking by calling L&Y's Keith Nelson on 07939 542407.