SOUTHEND Saxons got back to winning ways with a 40-29 victory against Amersham & Chiltern.

Saxons had been beaten in four of their last five games during a frustrating period which had also seen two matches postponed.

And Southend’s director of rugby Josh Ward was delighted to get back on track at Warners Bridge.

“I thought we were outstanding for the opening 25 minutes, “said Ward.

“Our attacking phases were excellent and played with real tempo and purpose.

“Our staff have worked incredibly hard with the group so it’s great reward all round when we see midweek work transferred onto the match day park.”

However, Ward was still not completely satisfied.

“It’s always disappointing to concede but the manner which we did was soft,” said Ward.

“We had good structure so to be beaten on desire is non excusable.

“But to their credit they fought hard and took their chances.”

Saxons’ win kept them eighth in the London One North standings but they still have a game in hand on the seven sides above them.

And Ward feels the victory will boost his side in the weeks to come.

“There were huge positives for us and much needed confidence gained,” said Ward.

“There’s also aspects we have to continue grafting at to correct.

“But it’s great to get that winning feeling back and we certainly enjoyed a cold one after the game!”

Chris Vaughan opened the scoring with a try for Saxons at the weekend before Tom Richards also touched down to make it 12-0.

The visitors replied with a try of their own before Southend raced clear with Joel Armitage and Connor Cooper touching down.

Saxons led 33-5 before the visitors replied with two more tries to cut their lead to 33-17 at half-time.

But, after the break, Vaughan scored again and, despite the best efforts of Amersham, Southend secured the victory.

Southend Saxons: Banks, Inwood, Ashton, Vaughan, Richards, Lloyd, Branch, Bass, Grier, Armitage, Cooper, O’Kill, Forster-Knight, Cooper, Wagstaff.

Replacements: Reeman, Law & O’Brien.

>Canvey Island won 22-19 at Billericay in Essex One to stay second in the table.