JAC Sexton was pleased to help get smiles back on Southend Saxons faces with a 45-14 win against Brentwood at Warners Bridge.

The victory was Southend’s first of the London One North season.

And fly-half Sexton, who was among Saxons’ try scorers, was delighted with the result.

“It felt really good to get our first win and see smiles back on faces,” said Sexton.

“Coming pretty close in our last two games was hard to take but it was nice to finally get over the line and to do it in that manner was also pleasing.

“I can already feel the confidence building throughout the group and hopefully we can push on from here.”

Southend had been beaten in their first two games of the season, losing to both Colchester and Thurrock.

But Saturday proved to be a case of third time lucky Scrum half Rory Inwood scored two tries for Southend while Chris Vaughan, Jack MacVeigh and Tom Ramsey also touched down, along with Sexton.

MacVeigh added six conversions and a penalty and Sexton thoroughly enjoyed the encounter.

“It was a great game to be involved in on the weekend with the weather and the packed crowd also being a massive bonus,” said Sexton.

“We knew it would be tough against Brentwood but we were clinical when we needed to be and got the job done. “ The win pushed Saxons up to eighth in standings.

And Sexton is relishing his own involvement in the senior set up.

“I have been at Southend since the age of six and it’s been great playing for our senior side,” said Sexton, 21.

“I’m really enjoying my rugby at the moment and looking to improve day by day to help the team out.”

Southend will now be looking to build on the win when they head to Belsize Park this weekend. And Sexton is keen to keep on enjoying his rugby.

“ For us I think the main thing is we enjoy ourselves,” said the youngster.

“Having such a long time out from the game makes you realise why you play the sport. We aren’t looking at anything further than the next game and I feel as though that’s important for us in our progression.”

But Southend will have been lifted by Saturday’s showing which also earned praise from director of rugby Josh Ward.

“We deserved everything we got and probably a little bit more,” said Ward.

“We lacked a little bit in the first half but we tidied that up and it was a really good 80 minute performance. I’m so proud of the group. “ Southend Saxons: MacVeigh, Justice, T Ramsey, Vaughan, Day, Sexton, Inwood, Bass, Bevan, Reeman, O’Kill, Buckley, Forster-Knight, Wagstaff. Replacements: King, McClintock & Hoult