TOM Gannon was back among the try-scorers as Southend started 2014 with a 22-0 win against Redruth at Warners Bridge.

The 18-year-old former Westcliff High School pupil touched down for the second time this season during the victory.

And he was thrilled to help the fifth-placed Seasiders come out on top as Southend resumed their National Two South campaign following the festive break.

“I’m always pleased to get on the scoresheet and help the team, especially as we knew every point was going to be crucial at the weekend,” said Gannon.

“With the conditions the game was tough as it made even the simplest skills harder to execute.

“But we were pleased to not concede a single point and to win the game.”

Gannon, whose previous try came at Dings Crusaders on the opening day of the season back in September, was joined on the scoresheet by Mark Billings, Sam Nash and Harry Hudson as the Seasiders made it three wins from their last four games.

Gannon played a prominent part in the win on what was his sixth start of the season.

And he is pleased with how the campaign has gone for him and the Warners Bridge side so far.

“I feel like the season has gone well for me and I’m enjoying my first year in men’s rugby,” said Gannon.

“Playing in the games has helped improve my ball handling skills as I have found at this level I’m getting less and less time on the ball and I have to make decisions quicker.

“I’m enjoying it though and my aim is to now get more starts for Southend and for my form to continue to improve while also helping the team pick up more good results.”

The Seasiders’ scoring against Redruth was completed by a Bradley Burr conversion and Chris Green’s side will now be bidding for more of the same at third-placed Canterbury this weekend.