Stamford Rugby Club have been crowned champions of Counties 1 Midlands East (South)

Director of rugby Matt Albinson wants his title-winning Stamford side to smash the 100-point barrier this season.

The purple, black and whites still have three matches remaining after being crowned champions of Counties One Midlands East (South).

They have taken 86 points from their 19 league games so far this season and a further 15 are still up for grabs.

Stamford make the short trip to Spalding on Saturday before hosting neighbours Bourne in their final home league game of the campaign on Saturday, March 22.

The league season finishes on Saturday, April 5, with a trip to Bugbrooke which comes seven days after their home clash with Kesteven in the NLD Men's Senior Shield.

Attention will then turn to the Papa John's Community Cup where Stamford entertain Belgrave on Saturday. April 12, in a Counties 1 Championship first round tie.

Albinson said: "I am so proud of what the lads have achieved this season.

"We have not been perfect, having lost two tight games away from home, but those fixtures probably provided us with the stark reminder that we still had a lot of work to do - you are never finished.

"The skill level and physicality across the side is there for all to see and I think recently we have begun to deliver balanced and commanding performances that will serve us well in the cups later this month and ultimately moving into Regional Two next season.

"We want 100-plus league points so need those three more wins."

Albinson has led Stamford to glory this season after working alongside player-coach George Cox who has returned to his home-town club after a higher level with Nottingham.

Cox has also been part of a three-pronged captaincy team that Stamford introduced in the close season alongside Ben Chisholm and Jack Jones, who has led the purple, black and whites for the past two seasons.

Albinson commented: "I could praise every single one of the boys for something unique to them that they bring to the party and makes this squad so special.

"I will do that in good time once the season comes to an end but for now I have to pick up on a couple of the lads.

"Firstly Coxy who has been immense in his coaching role.

"His commitment and enthusiasm for the game is second to none, he goes the extra mile with the lads, he has delved into the details post our performances and always has a smile on his face.

"We are very fortunate that he is a product of our club and decided to come home to be part of what we are building.

"I can’t wait to see him back out on the paddock combining coaching, playing and leading

"A special mention also to the co-captains, Jack Jones and Ben Chisholm, who have been incredible all year, leading from the front with their own personal performance while also supporting the boys and setting our standards week in week out - you cannot build a team without genuine heart and these boys have it in bucket loads."

Stamford's success this season will see them return to level six of the English Rugby pyramid - Regional Two East - after a 29-year wait.